Peacemaker of the World: Advent part 2 of 4

“But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter— From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished. Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes until the birth pangs are over and the child is born, And the scattered brothers come back home to the family of Israel. He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength, centered in the majesty of God-Revealed. And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect— Peacemaker of the world!” Micah 5:2-4: The Message

“Although it was small in comparison to the clans of Judah, Bethlehem, “house of bread,” and Ephrathah “fruitfulness,” was located five miles south of Jerusalem and would be an ideal place for Messiah to be born in God's providential care (v. 2). To this place wise men from the East would travel some seven hundred years later to find and see God's Gift to humankind (Mt 2:1-7).
Without a king in the suffering that was to occur, Judah was told that the Messiah King as a shepherd over his flock would rule with strength and majesty in peace to the ends of the earth (v. 4).” 
(Asbury Bible commentary- accessed on Bible Gateway)

Micah was written in the 8th century BC- yet God showed him that not only was a Messiah coming- but where He would be born, what family tree he would be from, and how His reign would reunite the people in faith under His care. Micah also describes how the Jewish people would be scattered and then brought back together across centuries of time.

As the Asbury Commentary points out- Micah also predicts that their Messiah would rule over all the earth- not just the kingdom of David in the Holy Land.

This is the Messiah we serve- Lord of All the Earth- who for centuries before His human birth promised the prophets that in His kingdom the people would find peace. Not in the afterlife- but living in His kingdom during their lives. WE are to have an expectation of living in peace when we say “yes” to being part of God’s Kingdom on Earth, which occurs when we invite Jesus into our lives and accept His Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness and allow our lives to be transformed.

Prayer: Jesus, Lord of our lives- WE accept you as our Lord and Prince of Peace. Please gather us into your kingdom and let us feel the peace that comes from abiding in your love and will for our lives. WE surrender our lives to that perfect will; show us what you would have us do. Amen.