His reign is tangible. The Shepherd-King is actively engaged in His Church, standing and feeding His people. The term "feed" here is inclusive. It encapsulates everything expected of a shepherd: guidance, protection, preservation, restoration, tending, and yes, feeding.

His reign is continual. The Shepherd-King does not merely feed His flock occasionally and then abandon His post. There is no cyclical pattern of revival and barrenness. Instead, His watchful eyes never slumber, His active hands never rest, His heart ceaselessly pulses with love, and His shoulders willingly bear the burdens of His people.

His reign effectual. When the Shepherd-King feeds His flock, He does so in the strength of the Lord. It is an uplifting truth that He who represents us is indeed the very God to whom every knee will bow. We His flock are truly blessed to have such a Shepherd, whose humanity shares our experiences and whose divinity offers us protection. Let us worship Him, the One who allows us to graze peacefully in His pasture.

O Lord, the Shepherd of our souls,
In Your strength we find our peace.
Under Your watch we dwell securely.
May Your greatness extend to the ends of the earth.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does the metaphor of Christ as a shepherd influence your understanding of His relationship with the Church?
2. How can you apply the attributes of the Shepherd-King in your daily leadership roles?
3. How can the willing obedience of the well-cared sheep inspire your relationship with God?
4. In what ways do you see the "feeding" of Christ in your life, in terms of guidance, protection, restoration, and nourishment?
5. How do you find comfort in the continual nature of Christ's reign, and how does this inspire your faith?
6. How does the image of Christ as an unslumbering, unwearying Shepherd affect your sense of security in Him?
7. How can you show reverence and worship to Christ in your daily life?
8. Reflect on a situation where you felt the loving, caring nature of Christ the Shepherd.
9. How does the understanding of Christ’s humanity and divinity affect your relationship with Him?
10. In what practical ways can you 'hear' and follow the Shepherd's voice in your life?
11. How does the notion of Christ's unending reign bring peace into your present-day living?
12. How can we contribute to extending the greatness of the Lord to the ends of the earth in our own small ways?

Supporting Scriptures

2 Samuel 5:2: Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”
Psalm 23:1-2: A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 78:52-53: He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
Isaiah 40:11: He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Jeremiah 3:15: Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Ezekiel 34:23: I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
John 10:11: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Dawn and Dusk: Scriptures, Devotions, and Prayers. Inspired by Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: Daily Readings. You are free to copy as needed for noncommercial personal and ministry use.