SCRIPTURE: MICAH 5
A PROMISED RULER FOR BETHELEHEM (vs. 1-4)
Although Israel will be abandoned and their ruler sieged, God will provide them a ruler who will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord. And they will live securely and peacefully till the ends of the earth.
DELIVERANCE (vs. 5-9)
When the Assyrians invaded Israel, they will raise 7 shepherds and 8 leaders to rule the land of Assyria with sword. The remnant of Jacob will be like a lion among the beast of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep. They will triumph over all their enemies and all their foes will be destroyed.
DESTRUCTION (vs. 10-15)
One day, God will destroy the horses and demolish the chariots of Israel. Its cities will be destroyed, strongholds will be teared down. God will destroy their witchcraft, carved images and sacred stones. They will no longer bow down to the Asherah poles for it will be uprooted and demolished. God will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that disobeyed Him.
THOUGHTS
Jerusalem leaders were obsessed with wealth and position but Micah prophesized that mighty Jerusalem would be besieged and destroyed. Its king could not save it. In contrast, Bethlehem is a tiny town, which is the birthplace of the only ruler who could save his people. He is the Messiah and would reign as the eternal king.
The prophecies of Christ’s first coming gives us the assurance of peace with God. The second coming of Christ assures us that all wars and weapons will be completely destroyed.
When God rules in his eternal kingdom with his almighty power, He will destroy all weapons that people used for security. We will no longer be overwhelmed by fear of invasion or nuclear attack but have confidence in God because He will rule in our hearts.