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THE PEACEMAKER OF THE WORLD! Scripture: Micah 5:2-5a, Matth 2:1-12
Micah is a rural prophet born in a small village called Moresheth in Judah. He was called by God. He went to Jerusalem to preach against the oppression of the poor and the destitute by the rich. This was during Assyrian invasion at the time of war with Israel 734 B.C. Micah foretold about the total destruction of the Temple and of Jerusalem. Jer 26:18, 19. Little relief and delay in judgment came to Jerusalem due to King Hezekiah. Micah used the word ‘ruler’ instead of ‘K\king’ and longed for a kingdom like that of David. From Bethlehem, Ephrathah a new king will rise up again to stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord as the good shepherd of Israel. Micah longed for a king who would understand the poor and lowly, someone who could identify himself with those who suffered. Bethlehem, Ephrathah v2 - Birth place of David. Bethlehem(House of Bread) was a very small village in the small district of Ephrathah(fruitfulness). A new king like David will come from this town. “..whose origins are from of old, from ancient times..” v2 “He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished”(MSG Bible) This is in fulfillment of Psalm 89:35,36. The new king’s lineage goes to the past and rooted in king David. Therefore Israel will be abandoned. v3 - This refers to the exile of Israel due to sin, their deportation to Assyria as a punishment for their sins. Punishment wont last. God’s mercy will be displayed through the coming king. Deliverance and restoration will come through the new king. He will stand v4 - Refers to the coronation of the king and the anointing in the temple. The anointing before God was acclaimed by the people. He will shepherd his flock v4 - Ezek 37:24, 34:23 fulfilled. Christ the shepherd-king. Micah predicts that the new king will be like David. The new king won’t give into the human weaknesses for he will be strengthened with divine strength. Because of the authority and power of the new kings, God’s people will live in security. 2 Sam 7:10 will be fulfilled. The rule of the new king will be so majestic and famous that the whole world will turn for their peace to Him - “The Peacemaker of the World”. He will be their peace v5a Application - Matth2:1-12 Micah had seen much oppression and suffering from wicked leaders. Leadership was helpless. God promised him a new beginning through a new king. Micah 5:2-4. The new king like David the shepherd king, once whose origins from of old was fulfilled in Jesus. Matth 2:1-12 Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Bread of Life in the house of bread and in the city of peace. Herod < > Jesus One in palace and the other was in a manger. One seated on throne and the other was lying on straw. One was rich and the other poor. One famous while the other unknown. Jesus fulfilled the prophet’s hopes and dreams. He was of humble origin in human story. He was also a shepherd John 10:11. he provided security and protection for his flock. John 10:1-5 The new king unlike Herod is not an oppressor but a deliverer and restorer. The one who will associate with the lowly and the needy. A king who through personal sacrifice will save and bless people rather than seeking vengeance over those who cause him suffering. Christ was born not in a palace but on the wayside. He was born to save us from our sins not by his might but by embracing suffering and dying on our behalf. Are we willing to commit ourselves to this new born King Jesus and enjoy the peace He offers?
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