The Majesty and Strength of God Revealed In the Crucifixion

Our human concepts of God can be so limited at times. Limited by our preconceptions, limited by our meager experiences, limited by an earthly concept of a God who has no beginning nor end. Consider this as we read Micah 5, a prophetic passage about the coming Messiah, particularly verse 4:

Micah 5:² “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” ³ Therefore He will give them up until the time When she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel. ⁴ And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth.

Picture the events leading up to and culminating at the cross as we see, in verse 4, "He will arise and shepherd his flock". I know this is an allusion to the resurrection but look what a wonderful vision of the magnitude of the sacrifice made at the cross God has given us here. As Jesus is raised up on the cross, as He surrenders his life in love and service of His children...as He shepherds His flock, protecting and preserving them with his own life....He does it all "...in the strength of the Lord", pointing the way for us to walk the sanctified life as well.

That's an awesome thought!

Even more mind blowing is the next phrase. This act of sacrifice. This unique moment in all of history when all the wrath of our Father in heaven is brought to bear on Himself as punishment for our sins. This moment so terrible that the whole earth is darkened by it's shear weight and significance...simultaneously reveals the incomprehensible love Jesus has for those who believe in Him. It all occurs at once. "In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God."

God's majesty and strength revealed in one creation-altering moment. Initiated by Him, facilitated by Him and sealed by Him for all time.

What an awesome God we serve!