The distress/deliverance conversation continues here, but the distress is over quite quickly in just one verse. We have a direct order imbedded here to “mobilize!” What does that mean exactly for us today? I hear it as a cry to battle against the evil that is trying to overtake this world.
We know that evil cannot win, but there is no reason why evil shouldn’t give it a try. Is it safe to assume evil must be in denial about the strength of God? In direct contrast, we see how Micah immediately shifts the focus of great things involving Jerusalem to the small, unsuspecting town of Bethlehem.
The prophecy of Jesus that unfolds here in Micah is one that starkly stands out from all the others. It is a familiar verse to us amidst all the other proclamations Micah has made. Because it points to clearly to Jesus, we have likely heard it during times of Christmas celebration. Was Jesus’ own mother the “woman giving birth” that Micah had in mind? Imagine being the parent of God himself!
You don’t have to travel to the Middle East to have grand memories of the town of Bethlehem, do you? Tap into those memories you have when you first heard the story of Jesus, born in Bethlehem. The lyrics, “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie” are running through my head. I have an exact picture of what that all looks like thanks to the many Jesus movies I’ve watched in my life.
How does it make you feel when you finally grasp that Micah was foretelling the birth of our king Jesus? It’s as if God gives you a glimpse behind the curtain of his plan. We don’t always know what God’s plan is, but here we see how it played out. That’s a gift for us to know Scripture’s prophecy was fulfilled.
O Bethlehem! That of all the places in the world, God chose you to be the birthplace of his son, Jesus. It was no accident. God’s use of the underdog or less popular has always been a comforting thought to me. When I start to doubt how God is using me, I remember that he will equip those he calls.
The line that really troubled me when it comes to what Micah is saying about Jesus is that he will be “highly honored around the world.” When is that going to happen? Has that prophecy come and gone? I look around at what I see today and find many Christians hiding, afraid for their lives. I also see Christians being ridiculed for their faith and devotion to the truth of Scripture. I fear it isn’t a popular time to be Christian. Do you agree? What injustices have you experienced as a believer?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for how you revealed your plan to your people a bit at a time. Am I ready to truly appreciate all that you have done for me? Help me to reflect you in what I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
