A Coming King
[ READ ] Micah 4–5
2 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.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.
Micah 5:2-5
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.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.
Micah 5:2-5
Today’s passage brings a message of hope from the center of the book of Micah. Surrounding this central beacon are justifications for God’s judgment (Micah Chapters 1-3 and 6-7) on both the leaders and people of Israel who were oppressing the poor and pursuing false gods. What is this hope? That there is a coming Ruler who will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD. He will be great, be their peace, and bring security not only to Israel, but to the ends of the earth.
By the days of King Herod, the chief priests and scribes had correctly discerned from Micah 5 that the coming Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, see Matthew 2. We also learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy. As we add Micah’s prophecy to those of other prophets, we see these all point to Jesus.
- Gary Gunther
By the days of King Herod, the chief priests and scribes had correctly discerned from Micah 5 that the coming Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, see Matthew 2. We also learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy. As we add Micah’s prophecy to those of other prophets, we see these all point to Jesus.
- Gary Gunther
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ What is the significance of Jesus being our peace?
+ Why was Jesus born in an obscure town?
+ What is the significance of Jesus ruling as a shepherd rather than a political or military leader?
+ Micah 5:2 says that the coming ruler would come forth from the days of eternity. What insight does this give us in our concept of Jesus?
+ What is the significance of Jesus being our peace?
+ Why was Jesus born in an obscure town?
+ What is the significance of Jesus ruling as a shepherd rather than a political or military leader?
+ Micah 5:2 says that the coming ruler would come forth from the days of eternity. What insight does this give us in our concept of Jesus?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can I experience Jesus being my peace?
+ Is there a step for me to take in service or humility?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can I experience Jesus being my peace?
+ Is there a step for me to take in service or humility?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there someone I can join to help me see Jesus more clearly?
+ Where do I lack peace, and am I willing to invite Jesus in to bring peace?
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there someone I can join to help me see Jesus more clearly?
+ Where do I lack peace, and am I willing to invite Jesus in to bring peace?
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