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Sunday 8 December

The Ruler from Bethlehem

By Corinne

Micah 5.2-5a

Micah is one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament. He lived in South West Judah in the late eighth and early seventh century before Christ was born. He speaks powerful words, that resonate with those who are familiar with the Nativity story. From the little tribe comes a powerful ruler. Jesus, Son of God, was born not in mighty Jerusalem, but in an insignificant village.  Isn’t that just the way God acts in our world and in our lives? In unexpected ways, honouring the ones we may not esteem, acting in unanticipated places. God delights in upsetting human expectations – who will be first in His Kingdom? Not the great, nor the mighty. The King of kings and Lord of lords is born in Bethlehem.

Micah reminds us to see God at work in us and in our lives in unexpected ways. Are we prepared to be surprised. Who are the little ones around us from whom we expect nothing? Are we willing to see God in the least of these? Advent is about looking forwards, to Christ’s coming,  but also about seeing Him and His work in others today.

Micah’s words were cited by the Magi (Matthew 2:6) eight centuries after he prophesied. So when we look forwards, sometimes we may have to resign ourselves to a bit of a wait too. But we can wait knowing that God is faithful, He is good and He showed His love through the birth of a baby in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. That baby, our Saviour, whose origin is of old, from ancient days shall feed his flock and be the one of Shalom peace. The peace that can come from faith in the God who saves in unexpected ways and delights in surprising us with His goodness.

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Micah 5.2-5a

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,  who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,  from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.

If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil,
we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.