Podcast appearances and mentions of shepherd king

The book of Judges shows us what life looks like when a people try to live without God. Israel was religious, but their religion had drifted far from the God of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. Judges tells us bluntly that a generation arosewho did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel(Judg. 2:10). Surrounded by nations with kings, Israel wanted one too. Wanting a king wasnt the problemGod had already promised a coming ruler from Judah:The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples(Gen. 49:10). He even gave instructions for Israels future king in Deuteronomy 17. The issue wasnt the idea of kingship, but Israels motivation. They wanted a king not to be more like God, but to be more like the nations. Their first king, Saul, looked the parttall, strong, impressivebut his heart was far from God. He cared more about preserving his image than obeying the Lord. The breaking point came when God commanded him to destroy the Amalekites. The Amalekites were a brutal nomadic tribe who had been Israels sworn enemies since the days of Moses, attacking Israel from behind when they were weak and exhausted (Ex. 17). Instead of obeying fully, Saul spared their king and kept what pleased him. So the Lord said through Samuel: Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrificesAs in obeying the voice of the LORD?Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice,And to pay attention than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as reprehensible as the sin of divination,And insubordination is as reprehensible as false religion and idolatry.Since you have rejected the word of the LORD,He has also rejected you from being king. (1 Sam. 15:2223) Saul finally confessed,I have sinned because I feared the people and listened to their voice(1 Sam. 15:24), but the damage was done. Samuel told him the kingdom had been torn from him and given toa neighbor of yours, who is better than you(v. 28). That neighbor was a young Judean shepherd named Davidsomeone no one expected. When Samuel arrived at the home of Jesse (Boaz and Ruths great-grandson), he assumed Israels next king would look like one of Jesses oldest sons. But God corrected him:Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart(1 Sam. 16:7). After seven sons passed by without Gods approval, Samuel asked,Are these all the boys?Only then did Jesse mention his youngestDavidso overlooked that even his family hadnt considered him. But when David appeared, the Lord said,Arise, anoint him; for this is he(v. 12). And from that moment on,the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward(v. 13). David Was Gods Man The first time we are invited to look into Davids heartand to see what set him apart from everyone elseis in 1 Samuel 17 when he faced Goliath in battle. While Israels army stood frozen on the front lines, David had only been sent to deliver food to his brothers. The Philistines had proposed a champion-to-champion battle: Goliath against anyone Israel dared to send. The stakes were highthe losing side would become the servants of the winner. No one in Israel wanted to step forward. After Goliath roared,I defy the battle lines of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together!Saul and all Israel weredismayed and extremely afraid(1 Sam. 17:1011). For forty days, the giants taunts filled the valley. And for forty days, young David went back and forth between tending his fathers sheep and tending to his brothershearing the escalating tension firsthand. Eventually David had heard enough. Offended by Goliaths insults against God and His people, he asked,What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes the disgrace from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?(v. 26). When word reached Saul, David was brought before the king. Without hesitation, he said,May no mans heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine(v. 32). David stepped forwardnot with armor, experience, or military strengthbut with confidence in Yahweh. Armed only with a staff, a sling, and five stones, David stood as Israels champion. Goliath mocked him, saying,Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?and cursed him by his gods (v. 43). He then threatened,Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild animals(v. 44). But Davids response revealed everything about his heart and his source of confidence: But David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a saber, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I will strike you and remove your head from you. Then I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that this entire assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lords, and He will hand you over to us! (1 Sam. 17:4547) Davids confidence was not in his ability, but in Gods character. The God who had rescued Israel before would rescue them again. David slung one stone, struck the giant in the forehead, and killed him with what seemed like nothing more than a slingshot. There was no earthly guarantee that David would defeat Goliath. But he knew God had promised Abraham that Israel would represent Him among the nations, and that a king would one day rise from Judah, the one to whomthe scepter shall not depart and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples(Gen. 49:910). David trusted that Gods purposes could not be stopped by a Philistine giant. David Was Israels Flawed King Under Davids leadership, Israel finally defeated and subdued the Philistinesthe nations greatest threat throughout the time of the Judges and during Sauls reign. David had been one of Sauls most successful military commanders, and the women of Israel even sang,Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands(1 Sam. 18:7). Under Davids rule the borders of Israel expanded, and the promises made to Abraham appeared closer than ever to becoming reality. Some of the high points of Davids reign include making Jerusalem the capital of Israel, bringing the ark of the covenant back into the city as the visible sign of Gods presence, preparing the way for Solomon to build the temple, and establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center of the nation. David wanted God to be at the center of everything Israel did, reflecting Gods covenant at Sinai where the people were called Godstreasured possession, Hiskingdom of priests, and Hisholy nation(Exod. 19). But David is also remembered for one of the darkest moments of his lifehis adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband in a desperate attempt to cover up his sin. Uriah, one of Davids most loyal soldiers, was a man devoted to his king and to Israel. He also happened to be married to a woman of striking beauty named Bathsheba. We are told in 2 Samuel 11 that while Israels army was out fighting, David remained in Jerusalema decision that placed him exactly where temptation could reach him. What follows is one of the most sobering accounts in Scripture: Now at evening time David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the kings house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent messengers and inquired about the woman. And someone said, Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? Then David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he slept with her.(2 Sam. 11:24) Soon after, Bathsheba sent word back to the king:I am pregnant. David never imagined his sin would come to light so quickly. Like many who try to hide their sins, he moved from temptation to adultery, and from adultery to deception. He brought Uriah home from battle, attempting to manipulate him into sleeping with his wife so the pregnancy would appear legitimate. But Uriah refusedhe would not enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers risked their lives. With his plans unraveling, David chose a darker path. He wrote a sealed letter to Joab, the commander of the army, and sent itin Uriahs own hand as messenger. The letter read: Place Uriah at the front line of the fiercest battle and withdraw from him, so that he may be struck and killed (2 Sam. 11:1415). It was a death warrant. And David made Uriah carry it. Uriah died just as David intended, and for a moment the king must have felt deep reliefhis sin was concealed. But the covering of sin never hides it from God. The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to confront David, and when the truth broke through Davids self-deception, he finally said,I have sinned against the LORD.[1] The difference between David slaying Goliath and Davids failing with Bathsheba was not his strength, his ability, or his statusit was his dependence on God. When David trusted God, giants fell. When David trusted himself, David fell. We Need a True and Better David It was before Davids great sin with Bathsheba that God promised him that through his linage would come another king in 2 Samuel 7:1216; this moment is one of the most breathtaking moments in the entire Old Testament. Before a flawed king of whom God knew would fall terribly. The One David worshiped exclusively announced that the hope promised to Adam and Eve, the covenant repeated to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that would one day burst into reality through one of Davids descendants: When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. (2 Sam. 7:1216) This covenant echoes the very promises God made to Adam and Eve, and later to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a promise given specifically to Judah, and its path can be traced through some of the most unlikely people in Scripture. It moved forward throughTamar, a Canaanite woman surrounded by scandal. It continued throughRahab, another Canaanite woman who married Salmon of Judah and became the mother of Boaz. Boaz then marriedRuth, a Moabite widow, and they had a son named Obed. Obed fathered Jesse, and from Jesse came David. Consider the astonishing depth of God's grace, mercy, and loveHe chooses to accomplish His purposes through people with significant flaws. The covenant God was fulfilling through them is what theologians refer to as an unconditional covenanta promise not reliant on human strength, virtue, or even obedience, but founded solely on the perfect will of our good and holy God![2] Think about the weight of the promise made to David: Aforever throne that will never be compromised by sin.Aforever kingdom that will never be overcome by evil.Aforever King whose righteousness will never need improvement. Israel didnt just need a brave king, or a talented king, or even a repentant kingIsrael, and indeed the entire world, needed a perfect King. A King who would never fail, never fall, never waiver, and never walk away from God the way David did on the roof that night. And here is where the grace of God overwhelms:God chose to fulfill His forever covenant promise through the very place of Davids greatest failure. Bathshebathe woman David exploited, the woman whose husband he murdered, the woman whose story began with sinis the very woman God folded into the line of redemption. Bathsheba bore David five sons; the first was conceived through their affair and was taken from them by God through death. Of the other four sons listed in Scripture, was Solomon and the last child listed was Nathan. ThroughSolomon, the royal line flowed to Joseph, throughNathan, the line flowed to Mary. And standing at the end of both genealogies is the One the prophets longed forJesus, the Son of David. Jesus is the King that David could never be. He is the flawless Son whom God promised.He is the Shepherd-King of Ezekiel 37 who gathers the broken, restores the wandering, and rules with justice and compassion. He is the One who never surrendered to temptation, never hid His sin, never needed to be confronted by a prophetbecause He lived in perfect dependence on the Father every moment of His earthly life. Every one of us knows what it is to stand in front of a Goliathan addiction, a fear, a bitterness, a woundand feel small. And every one of us knows what it is to stand on the roof like David, spiritually lazy, drifting, self-confident, and one decision away from disaster. But Gods purpose was never for David to be the hero of IsraelDavid was the signpost, not the destination. His victories pointed to the kind of dependence God wants from us, and his failures pointed to the kind of Savior we desperately need. The remarkable message of the gospel isnt simply that God offers us another chance, but that He provides us with a greater Kinga true and better David. This King never surrendered to temptation, never acted out of pride, and never misused His power for harm. Instead of taking anothers life to hide His wrongdoing, He willingly gave His own life to atone for ours. Jesus, as the Son of David, is the true and better Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Boaz, and David. He is the King David could never be. And to the weary and the woundedto the Davids who have fallen, and to the Bathshebas whose stories have been marked by anothers sinHe speaks: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt. 11:2830). [1] David is remembered as a great king, but also as a deeply flawed man. And yet, Scripture still calls hima man after My heart(Acts 13:22). [2] Remember this, and be assured; Recall it to mind, you wrongdoers. Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure... (Isa. 46:8-10).

From the Fields to the Throne - David's story is a powerful reminder that even though he became Israel's greatest king, he was never meant to be the ultimate King. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, David defeated the EVIL WITHOUT—standing boldly before Goliath and the Philistines. But years later, on a quiet rooftop in Jerusalem, he was confronted by the EVIL WITHIN—the internal enemies of pride, lust, and self-reliance. As “a man after God's own heart,” David's victories and failures reveal three truths we desperately need today: 1. When David relied on the Holy Spirit, he could defeat both the EVIL WITHOUT and the EVIL WITHIN. When he didn't, he fell hard. 2. Despite deep failure, David always returned to God through confession and repentance - And you can too! 3. God's promises never fail. His promise to send a King through David's line was fulfilled in Jesus—the true Shepherd King who conquers sin and evil forever. This message is Part 4 of our Advent series: Jesus in the Old Testament. Follow the series to see how every part of Scripture points to Jesus and the hope we have in Him. If this encourages you, consider liking the video, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who needs hope today. Scripture List: 1 Samuel 16 1 Samuel 17 2 Samuel 7.16 2 Samuel 11.3

On this week's episode, Saylet is going to tell you about a masterful drama that is not Calina's jam at all! And Calina regales us about one of the best duologies she's ever read. Join us as we dive into: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Saylet's book) and The Shepherd King duologies: One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig (Calina's books). What do you think about this new thing we're doing? Hit us up! ***We would love and appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate & review! Follow us @ShhhDirtyBooks on FB & IG as well as on our website at ShhhDirtyBooks.com. Thank you for joining us!*** Music by Jim Townsend

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251125dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38 Truer Words Were Never Written We can’t be entirely sure what Pontius Pilate’s motive was when he instructed his soldiers to affix a sign to Jesus’ cross that read: “This is the king of the Jews.” But we know for certain from John’s Gospel that the Jewish religious leaders weren’t happy with his statement. John tells us, “The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write “The King of the Jews,” but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews” (John 19:20-21). Pilate’s response to their objection was simple but equally ambiguous. “What I have written, I have written.” Some have suggested this was his coy way of warning others from making a similar claim, as if to say, “This is what happens to people who foment rebellion.” Others suggest it was part of his attempt to wash his hands of the situation, seeing it as nothing more than a religious dispute about which he had no opinion. Still others argue that his order was given under divine direction and that, in his heart of hearts, he believed Jesus was indeed who he claimed to be. In the end, we can't know for certain what was in his heart and mind. What we can know is that truer words were never written. Jesus was and is the King of the Jews. He is the Messiah, the Anointed and Chosen One. More than that, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of all nations, and the Savior of the world. This One hanging, dying, on a cross is the one long foretold, the Shepherd-King who laid down his life for all people, only to take it up again. What can you know for certain? If he did it for all people, he did it for you. Nothing could stop him; his love for you is too great. Believe it. It’s true. Prayer: Jesus, help me to see how true it is that you love me and that you are my Savior-King. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251125dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38 Truer Words Were Never Written We can’t be entirely sure what Pontius Pilate’s motive was when he instructed his soldiers to affix a sign to Jesus’ cross that read: “This is the king of the Jews.” But we know for certain from John’s Gospel that the Jewish religious leaders weren’t happy with his statement. John tells us, “The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write “The King of the Jews,” but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews” (John 19:20-21). Pilate’s response to their objection was simple but equally ambiguous. “What I have written, I have written.” Some have suggested this was his coy way of warning others from making a similar claim, as if to say, “This is what happens to people who foment rebellion.” Others suggest it was part of his attempt to wash his hands of the situation, seeing it as nothing more than a religious dispute about which he had no opinion. Still others argue that his order was given under divine direction and that, in his heart of hearts, he believed Jesus was indeed who he claimed to be. In the end, we can't know for certain what was in his heart and mind. What we can know is that truer words were never written. Jesus was and is the King of the Jews. He is the Messiah, the Anointed and Chosen One. More than that, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of all nations, and the Savior of the world. This One hanging, dying, on a cross is the one long foretold, the Shepherd-King who laid down his life for all people, only to take it up again. What can you know for certain? If he did it for all people, he did it for you. Nothing could stop him; his love for you is too great. Believe it. It’s true. Prayer: Jesus, help me to see how true it is that you love me and that you are my Savior-King. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251125dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38 Truer Words Were Never Written We can’t be entirely sure what Pontius Pilate’s motive was when he instructed his soldiers to affix a sign to Jesus’ cross that read: “This is the king of the Jews.” But we know for certain from John’s Gospel that the Jewish religious leaders weren’t happy with his statement. John tells us, “The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write “The King of the Jews,” but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews” (John 19:20-21). Pilate’s response to their objection was simple but equally ambiguous. “What I have written, I have written.” Some have suggested this was his coy way of warning others from making a similar claim, as if to say, “This is what happens to people who foment rebellion.” Others suggest it was part of his attempt to wash his hands of the situation, seeing it as nothing more than a religious dispute about which he had no opinion. Still others argue that his order was given under divine direction and that, in his heart of hearts, he believed Jesus was indeed who he claimed to be. In the end, we can't know for certain what was in his heart and mind. What we can know is that truer words were never written. Jesus was and is the King of the Jews. He is the Messiah, the Anointed and Chosen One. More than that, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of all nations, and the Savior of the world. This One hanging, dying, on a cross is the one long foretold, the Shepherd-King who laid down his life for all people, only to take it up again. What can you know for certain? If he did it for all people, he did it for you. Nothing could stop him; his love for you is too great. Believe it. It’s true. Prayer: Jesus, help me to see how true it is that you love me and that you are my Savior-King. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

This week, for Christ the King Sunday, we'll be jumping into the middle of Jeremiah - a book that spoke to God's wayward people on the brink of catastrophe and exile in a way that brought comfort and hope. In Jer. 23.1-6, God confronts the sin of Judah's unfaithful kings (or shepherds), promises to care for his sheep, and points ahead to a "righteous" king who would come to save them. This should be a comforting and hopeful message within the context of our own (trying) times! Looking forward to seeing you there. You can view the full sermon here https://youtube.com/live/fwgGHgwOD5M

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Shepherd King Who Satisfies Subtitle: Mark Speaker: John Blevins III Broadcaster: Christ Church Presbyterian Event: Sunday - AM Date: 8/10/2025 Bible: Mark 6:30-44 Length: 33 min.

When Moses was born the Hebrew people had been living in Egypt for quite a time. Initially under the protection of Joseph and Pharoah and welcomed as honored guests; they had become an oppressed and enslaved nation. Fearing their growing strength, Pharaoh ordered every Hebrew boy to be thrown into the Nile. But one mothers courage defied the kings decree. She hid her child as long as she could, then placed him in a basket coated with tar and pitch and set him afloat on the Nile river. By Gods providence, Pharaohs daughter found the baby and raised him as her own. Moses grew up amid the luxury of Pharaohs court, yet he never forgot his Hebrew roots. His passion for justiceand his temperwould define much of his life. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, Moses struck down the oppressor and hid the body in the sand (Exod. 2:1112). When the act became known, he fled to the wilderness of Midian, where he spent forty years as a shepherd, husband, and son-in-law to Jethrowaiting for the day when God would call him to lead His people out of bondage. By the time we reach Exodus 3, Moses had already spent those forty years in Midian tending sheep. Then, before a burning bush, he encountered the living Godthe God of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God entered into Moses world in such a way that he would never be the same again. When God called to him from the bush, He said,Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground(v. 5). What made the ground holy? The presence of God made it holy. As R.C. Sproul wrote in his classicThe Holiness of God: God alone is holy in Himself. Only God can sanctify something else. Only God can give the touch that changes it from the commonplace to something special, different, and apart. The God who spoke to Moses from within the burning bush is not only holybut faithful. While many Hebrews believed that God had forgotten them, the Lord reminded Moses that He is not only all-seeing, but full of mercy:I have certainly seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their outcry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings(v. 7). Then God said to Moses,And now come, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt(v. 10). To this, Moses humbly replied,Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt? All that Moses saw in himself was his own failures and weaknesses. But for God, it didnt matter how weak Moses was, for He delights to use the foolish to shame the wise and the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:2631). What the burning bush reminds us of is not only that God is holy, or that He is omniscient, or that He is faithful to His promises, but that God uses people not because He needs to, but because He wants to. Just as God did not need Noah or Joseph to address the problems of the world, He did not need Moses. The marvel of the story of God and the people He chooses to use has more to do with that fact that He invites people like us into His mission and the story He is telling. There is a Mediator Who Stands in Your Place After God revealed Himself to Moses as Yahwehthe covenant-keeping GodHe commissioned Moses to return to Egypt. Understandably, Moses questioned,Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?God assured him,I will certainly be with you(Exod. 3:1012). And when Moses was to speak to the people of Israel, God instructed him to say,I AM WHO I AM has sent me to you(v. 14). One of the characteristics that distinguishes the God of Abraham from the gods of Egypt is His faithfulnessHe keeps His promises. This is expressed beautifully inExodus 6:25, where God tells Moses,I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself fully known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.Gods faithfulness is not only in His name but in His actions, His compassion, and His unwavering remembrance of His promises. Do you remember Leahthe ugly wife whom Jacob did not love? Not only was Judah born to her, but so was Levi. About five generations later, we read inExodus 2:1of a man from the house of Levi who married a daughter of Levi. Together they had three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. It was after Miriam and Aarons birthbut before Moses was bornthat Pharaoh commanded every Hebrew son to be thrown into the Nile (seeExod. 1:2022). Yet from this very family, God raised up the leaders who would deliver His people. Moses would lead Israel out of bondage, serving as a type of king who would shepherd Gods people through the wilderness. Aaron would become Gods priest, and through him the priestly line would continue (Exod. 28:129:9). Miriam would be identified as a prophetess (Exod. 15:2021). Dont miss this: God used all threeMoses, Aaron, and Miriamto lead His people out of Egypt, yet Aaron and Miriam would serve the people under Moses leadership (see Mic. 6:4). But it was to Moses, that God said, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. And when Miriam and Aaron forgot their place and Moses God-ordained role before Israel, God said, Now hear My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, will make Myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream. It is not this way for My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My household; with him I speak mouth to mouth, that is, openly, and not using mysterious language, and he beholds the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant, against Moses? (see Num. 12:1-8). Follow the Deliverer Who Leads His People Out of Bondage Moses stood before Pharaoh and Israel as a type ofshepherd-kinga mediator and prophet who spoke on Gods behalf. Listen to how the Lord described Moses role: As for you, you shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh that he let the sons of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaohs heart, so that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. When Pharaoh does not listen to you, I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My armies, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments. Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I extend My hand over Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst. (Exod. 7:2-5). When Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh, they declared, Thus says the LORD, Let My people go. (Exod. 5:1). Pharaoh not only refused but mocked the God of Israel: Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go (5:1-2). To prove that no one would command Pharoah of Egypt, he made the Israelites labor even harsher, forcing them to gather their own straw while maintaining the same quota of bricks. What followed was asuccession of ten plagues, each designed to expose the impotence of Egypts gods and, in many cases, tomock them directly. The first nine fall naturally into three escalating triads: Plagues of defilement:water turned to blood (7:1424), frogs overran the land (8:115), and gnats or lice tormented Egypt (8:1619). Plagues of destruction:swarms of flies invaded (8:2032); disease killed Egypts livestock while Israels remained unharmed (9:17); and boils afflicted people and animals alike (9:812). Plagues of devastation:hail mixed with fire ravaged the land (9:1335); locusts devoured the remaining crops (10:120); and darknessa direct assault onRa, the sun-godcovered Egypt for three days (10:2129). Each judgment demonstrated Yahwehs sovereignty, yet Pharaohs heart only grew harder. Enraged, he shouted to Moseswho stood before himas Gods representative: Get away from me! Be careful, do not see my face again, for on the day you see my face, you shall die! (10:28). The cognitive dissonance of Pharaoh towards the God of the Israel was not only irrational, but insane! He was dealing with the God who He could not defeat, for in the words of the apostle Paul, it was the equivalent of the clay pot accusing the potter that He had no rights over what He created (Rom. 9:19ff.). In essence, Pharaohs heart cried out to the God of Moses,Who are You to tell me what I can and cannot do? Before we shake our heads or point our finger at Pharaoh in disgust, we must ask ourselves:What has God commanded us to release or submit to that we have resisted with the same question Who is Yahweh that I should obey His voice? Live in the Victory of the Lamb Who Triumphed Over Every Power Before the final plague, Israel was commanded to take amale lamb without defectand keep it forfour dayslong enough to confirm it was spotless and long enough for it to become, in a sense,theirlamb (Exod. 12:16). On the fourteenth day, the lamb was to be slaughtered at twilight, and its blood applied on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it (v. 7). Afterward, the entire household was toeat the lamb together(vv. 811). For what purpose was the perfect and spotless lamb slaughtered? We are told why in Exodus 12:12, For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and fatally strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the human firstborn to animals; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgmentsI am the Lord. Who would God strike? Thefirstborn sonsboth human and animaland thegods (elohim) of Egypt. These gods were not merely lifeless idols butspiritual powers, demonic forces that animated Egypts sorcery and who also held Pharaoh and his people captive[1] (see Deut. 32:17; 1 Cor. 10:2022).[2] So what fueled Pharaohs hatred of Yahweh and his oppression of Israel? His sin and pride, certainlybut beneath that rebellion lay ademonic conflict. The showdown between Moses and Pharaoh, Israel and Egypt, was not merely political or personal; it wasspiritual warfare. As Paul later wrote, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). Every plague before the tenth was a call to repentancea chance for Pharaoh, for Egypt, and even for any Hebrew who had turned to Egypts idols, to turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But only throughthe blood of the lambwould anyone experience deliverance and victory. But, why the firstborn? At the summit of Egypts pantheon stoodRa (Re), the so-called god of gods, depicted with thehead of a falconand thesolar disk encircled by a cobraa symbol of divine power and kingship. Pharaoh was worshiped as theson of Ra, and his ownfirstborn sonwas regarded as the next embodiment of divine rule. In one decisive act, Yahweh crushed the head of Egypts god for the purpose of liberating captive Israel and any Egyptian who wished to turn to the true Creator, and He did it through the blood of the lamb! Conclusion Through this series, youve been reminded of thetrue and better Adamwho embraced a tree for our redemption and life. Youve seen thetrue and better Isaac, who carried His cross to the place of execution for sins we committed, that we might become children of God through His willing death. There is atrue and better Israel, who pursued the unfaithful bride and redeemed her to be clothed in white, never again enslaved to sin. And there is atrue and better Mosesthe Prophet who perfectly represents God, the High Priest who intercedes for us, and the flawless Shepherd-King whose lordship demands our obedience. Behind Egypts gods stood a master deceiverthe father of lies, the ancient serpentwho twists truth and opposes the purposes of God. When Moses stood before Pharaoh, he wasnt merely confronting a ruler; he was standing against the spiritual powers of darkness. In that moment, Moses foreshadowed the One who would intercede perfectly on our behalf. Jesus is the true and better Mosesthe long-promised Deliverer, the Lion of Judah who became the Lamb of God to set captives free. He alone is the sinless Son of the Father, who took on flesh and dwelt among usthe Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. But His death did more than address our guilt; ittriumphed over sin, death, and every power opposed to Gods kingdom. Through His cross and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14), and the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). When we turn to the book of Revelation, we witness a dramatic, global reenactment of the Exodus story: the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls each unleash escalating judgments, echoing the plagues that struck Egypt. Yet, just as Pharaoh stubbornly hardened his heart, so too does humanity in the final days. Scripture warns, The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands; they continued to worship demons and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and woodidols that can neither see, hear, nor walk. They refused to repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts (Rev. 9:20-21). So we must ask regarding ourselves: Who is Yahweh that I should obey Him? Thetrue and better Moses, theLamb of God, was slain to liberate us from such things. For the true Christian,Colossians 2:1315declares our victory: And when you were dead in your wrongdoings and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings, having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. (Col. 2:13-15) If you are in Christ, your victory and freedom are found inthe Lamb who reigns as the Lion of Judah. Jesus is the true and better Mediator who stands in your place. Jesus is the true and better Deliverer who leads His people out of bondage. The true Son of God is your salvationbefore whom every ruler and demon, all who are rich and poor, those who are known and unknown will one day bow. And on that Day, mayRevelation 12:1011be said of you: Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. (Rev. 12:10-11) [1] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor. 4:3-4) [2] No, but I say that things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become partners with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we? (1 Cor. 10:20-22)

The Shepherd King Micah 5 What they heard A great enemy will come against you. God will give another David. You will overcome. The Great Shepherd        Saves and keeps There is a lion in that lamb. Today There is a great enemy against me. There is a lion inside me. He is setting a table. There's a place for me. No room for you – fear Do you think that you deserve this? – failure Are you sure there's a banquet? – doubt How could you fit in? – guilt You'll never be free of me – Old Wounds

In this message from our series Songs of the Shepherd King, Pastor Chris Seay explores how King David's greatest strength—his big heart—was also what led to his greatest breaking. Drawing from Psalm 51, this sermon invites us to see how our own strengths, left unchecked, can become our undoing, and how God's grace can restore us to rhythm again. From David's story of failure and repentance to our modern rhythms of distraction and striving, this message calls us back to stillness, humility, and grace that outlasts our failures.

Is your view of God too small and keeping you from the help you desperately need?In this sermon, Pastor Adam Burton shows how the Bible reveals a God who is both strong enough to rule and gentle enough to carry you. You do not have to choose between a powerful God or a caring God because He is both at the same time. Discover how Jesus meets you in your weakness, walks with you through struggles, and leads you with perfect strength and tender love.Central Baptist Church is located in the heart of Maysville, Kentucky. We invite you to join our community and explore our services and programs. For more information, visit our website at ⁠cbcmaysville.com⁠. If you're new or want to get connected, please fill out our digital connection card at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠cbcmaysville.com/connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.-------------------------Key Passage: Isaiah 9:6-7Series: Behold the Holy One: The Names & Titles of God in IsaiahSpeaker: Pastor Adam BurtonLocation: Central Baptist Church, Maysville, Kentucky-------------------------Connect with Us:WebsiteFacebookInstagramXYouTube-------------------------Subscribe for more biblical teaching and encouragement: SpotifyApple Podcasts-------------------------Timestamps:0:00 - Opening0:44 - Introduction6:15 - What Our Culture Is Selling17:28 - What He Provides24:50 - How It Changes Us28:13 - Conclusion34:19 - Closing

We're kicking off a new series called "Songs of the Shepherd King" exploring the life and songs of David, the unlikely king, the vulnerable poet, and the one “after God's own heart.” In this message, Pastor Chris invites us into the honest and emotional world of the Psalms, a book that trains us in honest prayer, where nothing is off-limits before God.

As we continue in Matthew throughout the fall and see the outworking of Christ's Upside-Down Kingdom, we will shift gears this week by looking at a prophecy spoken by Jeremiah hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God declares disaster upon Judah's wicked kings through His prophet Jeremiah because of their stubborn rebellion in forsaking the covenant. But because of his grace, the looming disaster was not the end of the story. A King would come one day into the world who would rule in righteousness and redeem from captivity. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah, and Christ our King rules now without end. That reality gives us hope when hope is in short supply.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

0900 AM- The Coronation of God's Shepherd King-Michael Cooke-09-28 2025

Sunday AM - Mark

Micah 5 proclaims the good news of a ruler who will be born in the town of Bethlehem. This Promised Shepherd-King will govern his people, protect them, save them, and bring them peace. The chapter not only describes the coming ruler but also shows what his reign will mean for the lives of his redeemed people

We overcome uncertainty by looking to the Shepherd King.

0900 AMGod's Shepherd King Defeats the Giant of GathMichael Cooke09-14 2025.mp3

0900 AMThe Powerful Anointing of Gods Shepherd KingMichael Cooke09-7 2025

08/31/25 The Shepherd King is ruling in glory now, welcoming in those who participate in the healing of the world and indicting those who do not.

Have you ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or hungry for more? In this powerful message, Pastor Harrison unveils the profound depths of Psalm 23, revealing how prayer isn't just a religious duty—it's an intimate communion with our Shepherd-King. Through vivid imagery of green pastures and prepared tables, he shares three transformative approaches to prayer that turn everyday moments into sacred encounters - coming to the table, as you are going, and dwelling in the house of the Lord. Drawing from personal wilderness experiences, Pastor Harrison shows how getting closer to God realigns our hearts and transforms our lives. Don't miss this final, heartfelt challenge to live wholeheartedly for Christ in every area of life!

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 3, 2025In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 1-2. These chapters cover the opening of Micah, where the prophet delivers a fiery message of judgment to both Israel and Judah for their deep-rooted corruption and hidden sins. Micah warns of coming exile — yet also offers a glimpse of hope in a future Shepherd-King who will restore His people. It's a call to not just hear God's Word, but to be moved to repentance and trust in His coming restoration.

Welcome to Day 2687 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2687 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 78:56-72 – Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2687Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2687 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Heart's Persistent Wanderings – From Abandonment to the Shepherd-King - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 78:56-72Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we reach the poignant and pivotal conclusion of our extensive trek through Psalm 78 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 56 through 72.In our journey through this monumental didactic psalm, Asaph, the psalmist, has meticulously recounted Israel's history. We've seen their early failures, their ungrateful rebellion in the wilderness despite God's astounding miracles—from the splitting of the Red Sea to the daily manna and water from rocks. We also explored God's righteous judgment for their persistent unbelief, even as His enduring compassion spared them from complete annihilation. We watched as God faithfully led them into the Promised Land, driving out nations and settling them securely in their inheritance.Now, as we delve into this final segment, the story unfolds into a new phase of Israel's unfaithfulness, occurring after they had entered and settled the Promised Land. This leads to profound divine judgment: God's abandonment of His dwelling place at Shiloh and His subsequent, sovereign choice of Mount Zion and the Davidic dynasty. This narrative culminates in the powerful affirmation of David as the shepherd-king, foreshadowing the ultimate Shepherd-King, Jesus Christ.This section explains a critical shift in God's dealings with Israel, shedding light on the reasons behind the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center and the unique covenant with David. It's a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent unfaithfulness, but also a beautiful testament to God's ultimate plan and His ability to choose and raise up faithful leaders.So, let's lean in and absorb the final, crucial lessons from Israel's history of wandering hearts and God's sovereign direction.(Reads Psalm 78:56-64 NLT)But they continued to test and rebel against God Most High,refusing to obey his decrees.They turned away and were disloyal like their ancestors;they were as unreliable as a crooked bow.They angered him by building pagan shrines;they made him furious with their idols.When God heard them, he was furiousand completely rejected Israel.He abandoned his Tabernacle at Shiloh,the tent where he had lived among them.He allowed their Ark of the Covenant—his glory—to be captured;he surrendered his people to their enemies.He sent fire to consume their young menand caused their young women to die in battle.Their priests were slaughtered by the sword,and their widows could not mourn.Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph brings the historical lesson into the period after the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating that entering the Promised Land did not end Israel's cycle of rebellion: "But they continued to test and rebel against God Most High, refusing to obey his decrees." The persistent nature of their sin, already...

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Micah 7. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Brian Borgman. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Pastor James Crawford, overseeing Godspeak's young adults ministry, preaches from Jeremiah 23, addressing the responsibility of shepherds—pastors, parents, and leaders—to guide with grace and truth. Reflecting on his impending fatherhood and the cultural trend of “cowboy” identity, he contrasts the failure of Judah's unfaithful shepherds with Christ's redemptive leadership, as seen in John 8:1–11. Pastor James calls believers to model Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by rejecting bitterness, embracing forgiveness, and leading authentically to build faithful homes and churches. He emphasizes God's promise of a righteous Shepherd-King, urging the congregation to leave past baggage behind and pursue a legacy of obedience and restoration.Verse References: Jeremiah 23 verses 1–6, John 8 verses 1–11, Jeremiah 31 verses 31–33, Jeremiah 21 verse 5, Jeremiah 21 verse 12, 2 Chronicles 34 verses 1–33Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

In this sermon, Pastor Kyle Turner closes out the “Shepherd King” series by revealing how a life of honor positions us to live throne-worthy. Looking at David's example—from the pasture to the palace—we learn that true honor begins in obscurity, reflects our own character, and carries the power to restore, elevate, and align us with the heart of our King.

Welcome to Day 2677 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2677 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 77:13-20 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2677 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2677 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Unseen Path of the Unchanging God - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 77:13-20 Today, we reach the powerful and awe-inspiring conclusion of our trek through Psalm 77 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 13 through 20. In our last conversation, we plunged into the raw, personal anguish of Asaph, the psalmist. We heard his desperate cries in the night, his sleepless torment, and the agonizing questions that plagued his soul: "Has the Lord abandoned us forever? Will he never again be kind to us? Has his unfailing love vanished forever?" He was a man drowning in doubt, unable to find comfort, even from the thought of God. But then, a pivotal moment occurred: Asaph intentionally shifted his focus, resolving to "recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago." This act of remembering God's ancient wonders became his lifeline, the first step out of the mire of despair. Now, in these concluding verses, we witness the glorious outcome of that deliberate act of remembrance. Asaph's perspective completely transforms from anguish and questioning to profound awe and unwavering trust. He no longer asks if God has changed; instead, he declares God's unchanging holiness, His incomparable power, and His unfailing, sovereign leadership, even when His path is hidden. This is the ultimate resolution of his spiritual crisis, leading to a powerful affirmation of God as the Shepherd-King. So, let's allow our hearts to be filled with awe as we witness the triumph of faith over doubt, anchored in the undeniable truth of who God is and what He has done. (Reads Psalm 77:13-15 NLT) O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section with a triumphant declaration of God's unparalleled character, a stark contrast to his earlier questions about God's mercy and love: "O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as great as our God?" The word "holy" (qadosh) here signifies not just moral purity but also God's separateness, His transcendence, His utterly unique and unapproachable majesty. God's ways, His actions, His very nature, are completely set apart from all human imperfection and doubt. This is a foundational truth that silences all questioning. The rhetorical question, "Is there any god as great as our God?" echoes the triumphant certainty we saw in Psalm 71, "Who can compare with you, O God?" It's a resounding affirmation of God's incomparability, a direct refutation of any doubt that might have crept into...

What if God is shaping your crown in the shadows?This week, Pastor Jacob Whitehead from Crosspoint City Church unpacks how David was crowned king—but still carried the heart of a shepherd. From the pastures to the palace, David's story reminds us that God exalts those who are faithful in the quiet places. In this message, we explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, service, and surrender—and how David's kingship ultimately points to Jesus, our Shepherd King who rules with grace.We hope that you enjoy this series! Subscribe if you haven't already to stay up to date with what we've got going on here at Creekside Church!

Send us a textIn today's episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Under the Radar titles.  Leslie has you covered with books that begin 2 great series. Laura has 2 that you might not have heard of yet, but are stellar reads.  Let's fly!Featured Books:One Dark Window (#1 The Shepherd King) by Rachel Gillig (LH)An Ember in the Ashes (#1 An Ember in the Ashes) by Sabaa Tahir (LH)Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie ShapiroThe Trouble With Heroes by Kate MessnerBooks Mentioned in This Episode:Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel GilligChirp by Kate MessnerBreakout by Kate MessnerLove That Dog by Sharon CreechFor the Wolf by Hannah WhittenFor the Throne by Hannah WhittenStarling House by Alix E. HarrowFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosWays to contact us:Join us on Patreon for extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/BookBumblePodcastFollow us on Instagram - @thebookbumbleFacebook:  Book BumbleOur website:  https://thebookbumble.buzzsprout.comEmail:  bookbumblepodcast@gmail.comSupport the showHey Friends, please rate and review us!