Micah – Be Still…

Micah 5:2-5a – O Bethlehem!

The location was set years before Jesus was even born. How cool is that! Bethlehem was the chosen spot for the miraculous birth. Micah’s prophecy reads almost like a riddle. There are so many great images of Jesus here. Our Advent preparations are winding down as our Christmas celebrations soon begin.

God chose Bethlehem, and then he orchestrated the events that led to Jesus’ humble birth. Even the size of this town is described as a “small village.” If you’ve never lived in a small town, you can’t appreciate the closeness and dedication of the people. Bethlehem would have had a special atmosphere like that. Continue reading “Micah 5:2-5a – O Bethlehem!”

Micah 6:1-8 – Be Humble

Read Micah 6:1-8

Micah is another prophet used by God who served at the time of Amos, Isaiah, and others. The message of the coming judgment and pardon available was just that important. God wanted to give his people every possible chance to save themselves. Even though we aren’t in Micah’s first audience, we can glean wisdom from how God addresses the wayward people of that time.

How would you respond if you were asked to state your case against God? Would you think of all the bad things that have happened to you and blame him? Or would you recall all the blessings he has given you, including the love He showed by orchestrating Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for you? Continue reading “Micah 6:1-8 – Be Humble”

Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain

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. Continue reading “Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain”

Advent ? Micah 5:2 – Humility

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf. (Micah 5:2)

Micah would have written this prophecy sometime during the the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah. Other prophets in his day include Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea. It’s hard to believe these words were written some seven hundred years before they were fulfilled in the birth of our Messiah, Jesus.

Micah 4:1-5 – In the Last Days

Read Micah 4:1-5

the word END with road and fire around it

Because we’re getting nearer and nearer to celebrating Christmas, that means the Advent season is drawing to a close for another year. What are some of your favorite ways to “get ready” for (1) the birth of Jesus and (2) Jesus’ return? Advent is that perfect time to reflect on both since there is a lot to do to “be prepared.”

Today’s reading puts us in that second focus of preparation. Micah speaks of the last days so we can get a picture of what that will look like. What are some of the images we have to look forward to? We see people coming together in one accord seeking more of Jesus. We see God resolving our disputes and bringing peace. An attitude of fear will have no place in those days.