Written by Scott B. Hayashi
Micah 5:2a (NRSV) 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.
Micah prophesies troubled times ahead for Israel and Judah. He lays the responsibility for these troubles at the feet of their leaders and the wealthy powers-that-be. Because of their failure to honor God’s wishes and laws, there will be great suffering for all the people—guilty and innocent alike. Micah prophesies that God will raise up a king from Bethlehem, the city of David’s birth. God will make a way for justice, mercy, and love to reign because the people simply cannot do this for themselves.
For Christians, these verses likely call to mind the infancy narrative from Matthew, where these lines from Micah are quoted. We rejoice and celebrate because God has fulfilled the promise of raising up a king—the Messiah, Jesus!
Because God has made good on the promises God has made to us, we live our lives in hope and confidence that God will do just what God says will be done. How are we doing the work we have promised to do, in response to God’s great goodness toward us?
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