Micah
5 reminds me of Christmas. I have six siblings, spread out 13 years
from oldest to youngest. Over time, all of us moved away, but it
seemed that no matter where we were, we managed to make it home for
Christmas. When I was younger, it felt like a miracle when one of
the clan appeared, unannounced, to make the day special. Whether snow
or ice or sleet or poverty; the urge to be home for Christmas was
powerful enough to overcome any challenge. In today’s chapter,
Micah speaks about the disbursement and return of the Jews with a
prophetic focus on a Last Days reunion. It begins with a reference
we recall quoted by the Wise Men when asked by King Herod where
Messiah was born. “But you,
Bethlehem… though
you are small among the clans
of Judah,
out of you will come…One
who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from
ancient times“. The rest of
the chapter explains why Herod slaughtered the male children.
“Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in
labor bears a Son, and
the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites… He will
stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord“.
Those in control did not want any competition. It is good to be
king, right?
Many
of the Jews during the time of Christ were looking for the earthy
ruler Micah describes, “And
they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the
ends of the earth… He will be our peace when the Assyrians invade…
He will deliver us“. They
were expecting the Deliverer that would destroy the invaders. They
did not understand He first had to pay the debt for our sins. Isaiah
53 tells us that first Messiah “took
up our pain and bore our suffering… stricken… and afflicted…
pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and
by His wounds we are healed“.
Only those that think they are righteous look past the Cross of
Christ. Friend, have you received the gift of complete forgiveness?
The chapter ends with the description of
the Second coming of Christ, this time as a warrior. “The
remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples“.
Today millions have returned to Israel, yet many more still live
around the world. He says the Lord does not “wait
for anyone or depend on man“.
The Hebrew people will be “like
a young lion among flocks of sheep“.
There is no doubt about the outcome, “Your
hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, and all your
foes will be destroyed“. God
Himself declares, “In that
day“, He will defeat the
enemy. “I will destroy the
cities… I will destroy your witchcraft… I will destroy your
idols… I will uproot… I demolish… I
will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not
obeyed Me“. Maybe it is time
for a Spiritual Homecoming? We have so many excuses, but there is no
greater feeling than being united with the Prince of Peace. The
family of God awaits your Christmas Miracle. Did you know, “there
is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who
repents“? (Luke 15:10)
Christmas Day is coming, will you be there?