But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah…from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days. – Micah 5:2
“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken” (Deuteronomy 18:22).
Micah was a prophet at the time of Ahaz and an influencer of King Hezekiah. He suffered when Nebuchadnezzar wreaked havoc in Jerusalem, and yet his words in today’s verse gave hope for the future. It was God’s announcement through Micah that the Messiah would come. Seven hundred years later, God used ordinary events arranged supernaturally to fulfill His purpose for the lost sinners of this world.
Isaiah would verify that a child would be born, signifying His humanity. A Son would be given, representing His deity (Isaiah 9:6).
The apostle John would record that this Savior existed from the ancient days: “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
This Messiah appeared to Moses in the burning bush and was the fourth man in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Jesus came in the flesh to suffer the punishment for the sins of all humanity. He is the Savior for all who believe.
As the nation of Israel experienced the result of disobedience to God at the time of Micah, the people were fearful. But Micah’s words brought them hope. You can take hope from his message as well!
One day Christ will return to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords. His peace is available to you now as you follow Micah’s instructions to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 5:5; 6:8). Pray that the leaders of this nation will do the same.
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