SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: March, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Caren Fehr:

Anyone else read the book of Micah and get a little whiplash between the threats of doom and promises of glory and hope? If so, you’re not alone!

Micah 5:2-4 announces God's promise of restoration and the greatest hope of all; the coming of Jesus.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

God chose Bethlehem, a small and insignificant place, to be the setting of the most significant event in history. We often see God choose what is small to display His glory mainly so no one boasts in anything but God Himself.

This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, and I encourage you to go read it!

The blessing of Jesus and salvation is given to us, not because of our achievements or greatness, but because God is great and merciful. He deserves all the glory. As John Piper says, "We get the joy. He gets the glory."

“Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.” Micah 5:3

There is a lot of theology we can get into here. For now, I will simply invite you to read Romans 11 because there is a lot of correlation between what Paul says there and here in Micah's prophecy.

What is clear is that because of Jesus, there would come a day when all Israel would be saved, and this will include the Gentiles (Romans 11:25). 

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” Micah 5:4

There will be no unmet need in Jesus. When He is our Shepherd, we can truly declare, "I lack nothing." (Psalm 23:1)

He will shepherd his flock attentively (standing) and with omnipotent power and grace (in the strength of the Lord and the majesty of His Name). 

When you think of the responsibilities of a shepherd, it's more than feeding the sheep. It also includes: leading them, causing them to rest, protecting them, restoring the wanderers, and healing the wounded. Isn't this a beautiful picture?

Therefore, we will live securely because the whole earth will be filled with His glory and His greatness will reach the ends of the earth. What is so powerful about this verse is that it doesn't end with the first coming of Christ but reaches to His second coming! May we rejoice and have hope today because Christ is our Shepherd and our security, and He is coming back!

Father, thank You that even though there was a time I was far away from You and drowning in the hopelessness of this world, You pursued me and reached down in Your grace and goodness to be my good Shepherd. By grace through faith in Jesus, I received reconciliation, redemption, the forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. Jesus, You are my security and my eternity is secure in You. Nothing can separate me from Your love. May Your Name be great to the ends of the earth and be exalted in my life. I love You! Amen.