My precious friend, God’s promise is this, “From you shall come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6). This verse speaks about the little town of Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born, and from where the light of the world shone forth. Today, you are God’s Bethlehem. God declares, “From you, the rulership of God shall go out into the world. You shall shepherd the people and transform them into God’s children.” God desires for you to be a ruler and a shepherd to the people around you. Are you willing to surrender your life into the hands of Jesus to be shaped into such a person?

The Bible says in II Corinthians 3:18 that as the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be transformed into the image of Jesus, moving from glory to glory. Jesus was a ruler, having power over death, sin, curses, demonic forces, and even the wickedness of people. At the same time, He was a Shepherd who cared deeply for those in need. He welcomed and cared for children, loved young people, healed the sick, forgave sinners, raised the dead, fed the hungry, fought for His disciples, and taught people the way of life. At the appointed time, He sacrificed His life on the cross so that we might live. He was, and is, both a Shepherd and our God. He is a loving Father. And He desires to make you like Him, to be a ruler with His authority and a shepherd with His love and compassion.

Here is a wonderful testimony of Muthukrishnan. His father was a farmer, and his mother a housewife. They didn’t know Jesus. He was the first in his family to pursue engineering and miraculously gained admission to Karunya University. However, he struggled with English and couldn’t communicate well when he joined. During his four years at Karunya, his life was completely transformed. Each morning, the assembly sessions, prayer meetings, corporate worship, and counselling sessions helped him connect with God and the community. He joined outreach efforts to help the poor and began to experience the love of God in a tangible way.

At a Jesus Calls Power Ministry meeting, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He also found good friends among the students who showed him love through their actions. His fears melted away, and he began to excel in his studies. Inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, Muthukrishnan trusted God for a beautiful future. He graduated with first-class distinction in his engineering programme. God blessed him with job opportunities in Europe and the USA, where English became his medium of communication. Today, he works in Europe as a security consultant and tech lead at Nordic. His wife, Smitha, also graduated from Karunya with an MCA degree and secured a job through campus placement. She now works in Finland as an IT manager. Together, they have two lovely daughters and are bringing the love of God to the people of their nation. Truly, God has made them rulers and shepherds, just as He promised.

Dear friend, God can do the same for you. Are you feeling weak, struggling in your studies, or unable to speak confidently? Do you feel low in life? Like Muthukrishnan, surrender your life to the Lord. Just as God lifted him up and blessed his family abundantly, He will lift you up too. Trust in Him, and He will make you a ruler and a shepherd to touch and transform lives.

PRAYER: 
Dear Lord, I thank You for Your promise that from me shall come Your rulership and shepherding grace. Transform me into the image of Jesus through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Make me a ruler who walks in Your authority, overcoming sin, fear, and every obstacle. Help me to shepherd those in need, showing love, care, and guidance to them as Jesus did. Strengthen me when I feel weak, and fill me with Your wisdom and boldness to serve others. Teach me to sacrifice selflessly, as Jesus did, so that others can find life in You. I surrender my life into Your hands, trusting You to lift me up and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.