Micah 5  Verse 2 is the most well known of Micah's messages.. "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity."   There is only one person who fits this description: Jesus Christ! 

The rest of this chapter focuses on the future.. the days when Christ will reign on earth during the millennium.  During this time, Micah writes, ".. And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God."  This will be a time of peace; a time of blessing upon Israel; a time of triumph over enemies; and a time when Israel will be purified.  

"In that day".. the Lord will destroy every army.  He will destroy every stronghold. He will destroy all witchcraft. He will destroy every idol.  He will destroy every nation that will not obey Him. 

This is the greatness of Christ.. from eternity past to eternity future.. He goes forth to be the Ruler.  He came for that purpose 2000 years ago.. and He will come again to complete all that God has purposed. He came to bring true peace.. to destroy everything that is in conflict with His reign. He will come to bring final judgement and to bring perfect restoration to those He calls His own. 

Micah was given this great vision. I wonder if he understood it any more than the rest of us?  We hold on to every truth that God's Word reveals to us.. and in this message we are reminded that we have an Almighty Shepherd who comes in strength and in majesty.. in peace and in greatness.  He is the Lord, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among men.  He is the Lord, who is our Shepherd.. who leads us by still waters, guides us in righteousness.. takes us through shadowy valleys and up to the mountain heights. He is the Shepherd who is good.. who calls us by name.. for we are His. As we come to the manger in Bethlehem.. and adore the newborn King.. let us come to Jerusalem.. and adore the King of all kings who reigns from eternity past to eternity future.. and who reigns right now in our hearts!

Father in heaven, how we praise You for the salvation that we have received by the free grace of Jesus Christ the Son. We bow down before Him.. we love and adore Him, the Shepherd who leads us in Your paths and shows us Your ways.  Fill our hearts with love and faith today, Father, that we might draw near in love and in obedience. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, we pray. Amen.