God Sends Jesus
Jesus is Born
Micah 5:1-6
The Message
5 But for now, prepare for the worst, victim daughter!
The siege is set against us.
They humiliate Israel’s king,
slapping him around like a rag doll.
The siege is set against us.
They humiliate Israel’s king,
slapping him around like a rag doll.
2-4 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!
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!
5-6 And if some bullying Assyrian shows up,
invades and violates our land, don’t worry.
We’ll put him in his place, send him packing,
and watch his every move.
Shepherd-rule will extend as far as needed,
to Assyria and all other Nimrod-bullies.
Our shepherd-ruler will save us from old or new enemies,
from anyone who invades or violates our land.
invades and violates our land, don’t worry.
We’ll put him in his place, send him packing,
and watch his every move.
Shepherd-rule will extend as far as needed,
to Assyria and all other Nimrod-bullies.
Our shepherd-ruler will save us from old or new enemies,
from anyone who invades or violates our land.
For Reflection
There are remarkable insights
in this passage that lead to the understanding of the role of the
Messiah. The Lord will enter this would in humility: unexpected, not as
a warrior/avenger. The Lord will not rule as any conventional ruler.
The Lord will be a shepherd-ruler, compassionate protector and the
champion of justice. The Lord's rule will be centered in and reveal the
majesty of God. The Lord will be known and respected in all corners of
the universe. The Lord will reveal the wicked and honor the
righteous. The Lord will be a peace maker. The Lord will save us from
all our enemies, from those who violate the rule of God. The Lord who
stems from the best of us will bring out the best in us and restore us
to our God-selves. What can be more wonderful, more majestic, more
hopeful than the arrival of our Lord?
Pray
that you will find hope in the birth of Jesus.
Pray that you will follow the way as revealed in the life of Christ.
Pray that you will be an obedient citizen of the Kingdom of God.
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