Our reading from the prophet Micah yesterday in worship centered on the verse that is probably most well-known, certainly by those who walk into our church building and happen to gaze upwards. Micah’s encouragement to God’s people remains a helpful reminder of what God’s expectations are shaped around. And this is a further reminder that God’s vision for the human-divine relationship is not built upon the typical power dynamics that the world so often employs.
Omitted from our reading yesterday was a passage from the 5th chapter of Micah that adds to the proposition of God’s atypical vision for divine rule:
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
Micah 5:2-5
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth,
and he shall be the one of peace.
We Christians cannot read this passage of course without immediately thinking of the one who is to come into the world, born of Mary, in a Bethlehem stable. This descendant of David will come to rule God’s world and the king’s princely heir will bring peace. Just as Micah preached this good news to a world defined by conflict, these words can be a comfort to us in this day.
While conflict continues to flourish in the world today, people of faith can be comforted that the God who believes in us will show a way through. Soon our Advent longings will take center stage. The fulfillment of God’s promises, literally made manifest and embodied, for the sake of the whole world, will be a most welcome antidote to this status quo. I’m ready for some peace, how about you?
May God’s hope embrace you today. – Pastor Peter
Let us pray…
God of peace, your prophet Micah has encouraged us with word of your breaking into the world to lead us in the way of peace. Come to us now, calm our hearts, unite your people, brings us your peace. Amen.