Read Micah 4:1-5
Our Advent reading points to the LORD’s mountain. Remember during Advent we are remembering and celebrating Jesus’ first coming as well as looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. It’s a meaningful time to dig deep into God’s word for messages hidden there for us.
Even though this is an Old Testament text from Micah, it points forward, all the way to the last days. Some people say we’re living in those last days. What does this text say to us if that is truly the case? After all, people for generations have been seeing the signs. All we can do is agree that God’s timing will be perfect.
The prophet tells us that in those last days, God’s mountain will be the “highest of all.” You want to be there because it’s “the most important place on earth.” This message must have been so significant because most of these verses are also found in Isaiah 2. Isaiah and Micah, along with their followers and fellow prophets, would have been contemporaries. Do you think the prophets thought these last days would happen soon?
Can you even imagine a place as Micah describes? A place where “everyone will live in peace and prosperity.” What a fantastic reality for those living in the last days! It was probably an enticing future for those first hearing Micah share.
When people talk of the last days, often they focus on the wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, and crazy world leaders. The passage reminds us those may be signs, but when the final days clear away all the rest, the land will be abundant and peaceful.
I like how Micah puts his own little spin or promotion of how the people should respond to God’s provision and promise. He said, “Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.” Sadly, not everyone on our planet has adopted his suggestion. But we can be one to set an example of God’s love and mercy.
I wonder how many people were disillusioned back in Micah’s day. Would this word from the LORD have given them reason to celebrate or fear? Maybe they were even in denial and ignored the message all together like many people do still today. People are still disrespecting God, just like the audience the prophets encountered. As of Micah’s day, God’s anger had yet to erupt, sending the people into exile for their lack of true devotion.
There’s a lot in this prophecy. There’s an element of worship, acknowledgement of a growing church, introduction to Jesus as teacher and the Holy Spirit as the mediator giving wisdom in disputes and matters of life.
The last days are yet to come. Everything will come together in perfect harmony. The Bible has plenty of references to the last days for us to reflect on. As our Advent journey continues, let’s focus today on the return of our King Jesus and fulfillment of this prophecy of peace.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for including me in your story of love and redemption. I marvel at how your plans are always so perfectly orchestrated. I don’t know what you have in store for me, but I look forward to each new day with anticipation and expectation. May the wonder of the miracle of Christmas and anticipation of your second coming ignite in me this Advent season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
