Sunday, Dec 8

Scripture: Micah 5:2-5a (NIV) – “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. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.”

Micah: 6:8b-d (NIV) – “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Message: Biblical prophets, like Micah, were God’s spokesmen. Their messages served to rebuke sin, warn of coming judgement, call for repentance, provide instruction and give comfort. They also foretold of future events, such as the coming of the Messiah.

Micah had witnessed first-hand the sin of the Israelites. He warned that their continued unrepentance would bring disastrous consequences, and he directed them “To act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Amid the harsh rebukes and warnings, Micah also delivered a message of hope and grace, sharing glimpses of our loving God’s plan of salvation for His chosen people – and all people – to be reconciled to Him.

I wonder how confident Micah felt delivering this somewhat cryptic prophecy. Did he worry whether he had “heard correctly” from God? I imagine the questions the Israelites might have asked: “How can a shepherd be a leader?” “When will this happen?” “How could anything great come from Bethlehem?” “Who will the Messiah be related to?”

I’m so grateful to live at this time in history. Hindsight is certainly 20:20! We benefit from thousands of years of reflection on prophecies made hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. The puzzle pieces have been put together! All that is left for each of us to do is to believe and celebrate our reconciliation to God. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the special delivery of Christ Jesus on that first Christmas night so long ago. Your plan of salvation from the beginning of time has made it possible for us to have a righteous relationship with You. Help us to never take for granted the gift of Your Son. May the love and light of Jesus shine brightly through us as we celebrate the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Patti Gich