December 12, 2024
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth.
In the early days of David’s reign as king of Israel, God promised to David that his descendant would be the king of God’s people in a kingdom that would last forever. Through the mouths of various prophets God confirmed that promise. God revealed to the prophet Micah some details in the fulfillment of that promise. The future king would come from Bethlehem but would pre-exist His Bethlehem appearance. This seemingly contradictory prophecy was perfectly fulfilled in the person of Jesus who was fully human and fully divine, coming to earth to be born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. As king, Jesus will provide for His people and will reign forever. But we can clearly see that this second part of the prophecy has not happened yet. Jesus is not currently reigning as king of Israel on the earth and the people of Israel are not currently dwelling secure in peace. So, this must mean that King Jesus will come to earth a second time to establish His forever kingdom where His people will dwell securely. God is faithful to all His promises. If God can make the first part of this prophecy happen, He will certainly make the second part of the prophecy happen as well. Jesus will certainly come again in power and will reign forever as King Jesus, the loving shepherd who brings ultimate peace to his flock.
Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy toward us. Jesus, we know that you are coming again to establish your kingdom. Help us to prepare others as we await your return.