But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace. Micah5: 2, 4-5
Micah prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem hundreds of years before he came! That’s exciting! “… one whose origins are from the distant past.” This chapter in the book of Micah is one of the clearest prophecies in the Old Testament of Christ’s coming. How does the gospel of John begin…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1: 1-5
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” John 14: 27
While chapters 4 and 5 are full of hope; chapters 6 proclaims judgment and makes an appeal to repent. Chapter 6 opens by Micah picturing a courtroom. God-the judge, tells his people what He requires of them and recites all the ways they have wronged both Him and others. God interestingly calls the mountains to be a witness to the people’s wrongdoing. The mountains would serve as excellent witnesses, because it was in the high places pagan shrines and sacrifices to false God’s were made!
Listen to what the Lord is saying: “Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel” Micah 6: 1-2.
Micah watched as society rotted around him. Rulers demanded gifts; judges accepted bribes; corruption was universal. But God promised to lead the people out of the darkness of sin and into His light. Micah couldn’t find an honest person anywhere in the land. Even today, honesty and integrity are hard to find. Society rationalizes sin, and even believers sometimes compromise Christian principles. Even though chapter 7 starts with gloom, it ends in hope.
“How miserable I am! I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion.” Micah 7: 1-4
But God delights to show His unfailing love! He doesn’t forgive grudgingly but is glad when we repent, and He offers forgiveness to all who come to Him.
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean. You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.” Micah 7: 18-19
Today you can confess your sins and receive His loving forgiveness. Don’t be too proud to accept God’s free offer.
P.S. I just want to let you know that I celebrated my ninth year of walking with Jesus this week:)