700 years before the birth of Christ, Micah was given one of the clearest prophecies of His coming. In fact, when he was born and the Magi sought his whereabouts from Herod, it would be the priests and teachers who referred to this passage as to where He would be found. “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (v.2).

In that day” (v.10): The future kingdom was in view. Israel had been forbidden the use of cavalry (Deut. 17:16), lest they trust in earthly forces, rather than God (1 Kings 10:26, 28). God will remove all implements in which they trust so the people, stripped of all human resources, rest only on Him. War instruments will have no place in the time of peace. The day spoken of here, is when Jesus reigns as King. God had never wanted His people to trust in their horses and chariots. There will be no need for them. Jesus has won the war. Victory is in Jesus.

In Revelation Jesus is called “The Alpha and Omega”. He’s the beginning and the end; there never was a time He didn’t exist. He’s always been there within the Second Person of the Trinity. Before His grand entrance in Bethlehem, He was there. From all of eternity past – He was there. To eternity in the future – He is there. He is unchanging, always present. Look for the keywords in these verses. We find peace, protection, deliverance, majesty, security, and promises fulfilled. The future with God is nothing to be afraid of for those who are in Christ. We will stand with Jesus to watch and marvel at God’s final and perfect work.

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Question:

God promises a future ruler for his people in these verses; what descriptions of this ruler’s character and leadership stand out in this chapter?

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for Jesus Christ, for His peace, protection, deliverance, majesty, security and promises fulfilled. Help me Lord to be ever faithful to follow in your ways, not relying on earthly things but always to trust in you and your steadfast love for me.  Amen.