As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah— from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.
Into the Text
Hope. We all need words of hope in this fallen world. Hope keeps us going, and it helps us to keep things in perspective. Imagine the hope God’s words through Micah brought to the people. Judgment was coming because of their idolatry and wickedness. That alone was hard information to take in. But then, Micah 5:2 brings a message of hope.
Despite all that the people of Israel and Judah had done to turn away from their one, true God, God was still faithful. He was keeping His promise that He made in the garden (Genesis 3:15) that He would send a Rescuer to save people from their sins. Over time, God had been slowly revealing more and more of who this Rescuer would be and what He would be like. Now, God was showing where He was to be born.
This rescuer would come from the small town of Bethlehem. It was the home of the great King David. But Bethlehem was no metropolis. It was a small, insignificant town outside of Jerusalem. God, however, is in the business of using the small and insignificant to accomplish His plans.
God didn’t have to reveal this truth about the coming Messiah at this time. The people were hardly listening to the messages of the prophets to return back to God. But God is faithful. It’s in the moments where all hope seems lost that He continues to step in and speak truth. I imagine that the weight of this message didn’t fully impact the people until much later.
Today, you may be facing great difficulties or challenges. You may be in a season where you have turned your back on God. Know that God still has a message of hope for you. That coming Rescuer has come. His name is Jesus. He brings a message of hope that you can be forgiven and free of your sins. He wants to give you an abundant life full of love, joy, and peace, lasting for eternity. All He asks for is your heart. Will you trust Him today?
Prayer
God, thank you that you are a God who brings hope. Thank you that you did not give up on your people, Israel, and continued to make way for the coming Rescuer. Help me today to trust you in my circumstances, knowing that you are my greatest treasure and sure hope. Amen.