Advent 4: Old Testament, Micah 5:2-5a                                    

Micah 5:2-5a

Promises of a coming Savior. Nothing is more precious to the Christian. Why? Because in the coming (and now arrived) Savior is absolutely everything we truly need. Advent is an interesting mixture of the anticipation of two comings. The first is the now past coming of the “newborn King.” But that is not all for which we plan during this season. The people of the Lord anticipate His second and sure coming in glory.

In today’s reading from the Old Testament book of Micah, we have a familiar prophecy that gives us the coordinates of the Savior’s birthplace. And while it is a powerful prophecy dealing with the “where,” there is something more I would like us to see in this declaration of Micah. He writes in a time of conflict and the prophet is warning the tribes of Judah that warfare is on its way.

But the place of the Savior’s coming is a bit “out of the way.” Bethlehem. Birthplace of another King. The first and lesser David, great and mighty in the sight of his people, but infinitely lower than his Greater Son. The people’s hopes were bent on a Warrior-King who would be the final deliverer of God’s people from all their enemies. But the Promised One would be a conqueror of the heart, and not one who took the spoil of armies. One who vanquished sin, not fortresses built by human hands.

At the close of today’s reading Micah declares the result of this One’s arrival: “He shall stand and shepherd his flock in the majesty of the name of the LORD, his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace” (Micah 5:4-5a). A few decades ago there was a popular song with the central lyric, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Nice thought. But I would differ in this regard: what the world needs now is peace. And not just the concept, but peace that is a Person.

That’s what God promised. That is what He has delivered. And He is available to all. Blessed Advent!