Wednesday, December 2: Micah 5:1-5
Micah was a prophet living in the 8th century BC during the days when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah while Assyria was considered the main superpower. He gave us this wonderful passage that in verse 2 is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ and his birthplace. “But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.“ (Micah 5:2). This was the same verse referenced by the chief priests and teachers of the law who told King Herod that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem in Judea. By faith we believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, full of grace and truth, who came into the world at the Father’s appointed time and fulfilled this prophecy.
From John 1:11 we know that “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Micah 5:3 says that “Therefore Israel will be abandoned until…”. Many interpret the rest of the verse to indicate that this hardening will only end when there is a conversion of the Jews as a whole people to Christ. Micah 5: 4 prophecies that “He will stand and shepherd his flock …. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth,” and Micah 5: 5 ends with this promise “And he will be their peace.” When this future prophecy of his return will be completely fulfilled, in general, I cannot tell you. I just know that for me, through faith in Jesus Christ, he is my peace now. Romans 5:1 says “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God,” My prayer is that all people will put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and receive the precious gift of eternal life that God is offering to each one.
Judy Hawkins