October 15, Micah 5
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. - Micah 5:2
When the Magi followed the star and Balaam's prophecy about it, they came to Jerusalem wanting to know where to find the newborn king of the Jews. Their question troubled Herod, who asked the most learned religious leaders of the Jews where the Christ was to be born. They knew the answer to the wise men's question was Bethlehem, and quoted Micah 5:2 to prove it.
If modern Bible students know anything about the book of Micah, they are most likely to know this verse about Messiah's birthplace. 700 years before Jesus was born, Micah identified Bethlehem as the place where the One who was from old, from ancient days would come to be the ruler in Israel.
Micah 5 tells us that this eternal One would regather the scattered sheep of Israel. Jesus used the same idea to describe the mission that he and the apostles were on during Jesus' personal ministry on earth. He also told them he would bring in other sheep who were not of the same fold (Gentiles) to be followers of the One Shepherd. Micah foresaw what the apostle Paul would proclaim centuries later, that the promised Messiah would not only give them peace, but would himself be their peace.
Messiah would also deliver his people from their enemies. His kingdom would prevail over all the others. The Lord would bring wrath on the enemies of God and his people, but would also judge the unfaithful kingdom of Israel. We know from Amos’ prophecy that the sinful kingdom was doomed to suffer the awful consequences of their failure to worship the Lord and live godly lives. When God's wrath came against them, they would be unable to save themselves. God told them that their military power (their horses and chariots) could not save them. Their alternative sources of supernatural guidance would fail them. Their idols would be unable to save them from the wrath of God when it came.
All that warning about wrath and destruction sounds like "the God of the Old Testament" to some readers and students. We who know the gospel and know that God loved us so that he gave Jesus for us need to remember that he has still promised wrath to those who reject the gospel and refuse to surrender to Jesus as Lord. Paul said that the gospel was "the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes" and that in the gospel "the righteousness of God is revealed." But the verse that follows that familiar one in Romans warns that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." God showed his mercy and grace to old Israel by his patience and by the prophets he sent to encourage and warn them. But when they rejected his loving appeals, they suffered his wrath. Today we know that Christ has come and God has given all the blessings that were promised and prophesied through him. But the Christ rejectors and unbelievers neglect the great salvation in Christ and are still destined to miss all the blessings that are in Christ, and suffer the bitter, eternal consequences of rejecting his sacrifice for them.
When you sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” or one of the other carols that mention this village’s name, remember that Micah knew it and announced it 700 years before it happened. God’s word is sure and certain. Remember that the Christ who was predicted by Micah and born of Mary at Bethlehem came to deliver his people and shepherd them. You have God’s word on these glorious glad tidings. But also remember and respect that the wrath of God is still appointed by the same sure word of God for his enemies and those who reject the One he sent to be their Savior. Will you choose to follow him and enjoy the peace he came to be for you? The alternative is too terrible to consider.
Copyright © 2024 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—October 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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