The Promise of the Prince of Peace
Promises are made everyday. And they often help us by giving us something to look forward to, particularly good promises made in bad times which can give us hope to endure. During last Sunday’s sermon, we learn from Micah 5; about the promise of the Prince of Peace. The promise that he would come to save the Israelites in their time of need.
The Promise of Deliverance
But 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. (Micah 5:2)
During the time of Micah the Prophet, the Israelites were in a hopeless situation. However, Micah promised that a ruler from Bethlehem would come and deliver them.
Our plans can be so caught up in our own worlds, that we forget the relevance and plans of God. Similarly, the Jews who would’ve heard Micah’s prophecy regarding the promise of the coming Messiah, forgot too. When Jesus was born in the humble town of Bethlehem, most Jews refused to believe these set of truths as their expectations didn’t line up with God’s plan. But Micah’s prophecy - God’s promise - would come to fruition regardless in the form of our Deliverer, Jesus Christ.
The Promise of a Shepherd
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. (Micah 5:4a)
In Micah 5:4, the author writes that Jesus will shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord. Like sheep, we can easily wander off from the shepherd and end up in a situation of danger. This is because we want to live according to our own independence, and not rely on God. And many times, we continue this way of life until we have hit rock bottom.
Regardless of how we’ve lived our lives, Jesus is the good shepherd and welcomes us to live under his leadership and care. As the good shepherd, he protects and cares for his flock. We can always turn back to him at any time.
The Promise of Security
And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. (Micah 5:4b)
In our daily lives, we can often feel our security is threatened. Maybe we may fear for our health in a time of a pandemic, or risk losing our jobs. Or perhaps our lives aren’t in line with the expectations of our family, friends and society and so we feel a sense of insecurity. In these moments these feelings often lead to an overall feeling of helplessness.
However, Micah spoke of God’s promises that only Jesus is able to give. A promise of real and deep security. As with the Jews who held onto the hope in this promise, we too can be filled with hope. When we anchor our lives around him, he is able to provide a sense of hope and security that gives us the strength to carry on.
The Promise of Peace
And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. (Micah 5:5)
In Micah 5:5, Micah promised the Israelites that Jesus would be their true peace even in a time of war. Similarly, when we humbly know our right standing before God, we can have inner peace that overcomes all our circumstances; peace in God, peace in our world, and peace into eternity.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you are our Prince of Peace. A God who grants us peace in our difficult times. Help us to humble our hearts and submit to your authority, even when it can be difficult to do so.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen