Read Micah 1:7
Highlights:
Micah details astonishing power and might of God (Mic. 1:3-4), who is worthy of our praise and worship (7:7-20). Predicted judgment breaks the Father's heart. He sheds tears (1:8). Jesus foreshadowed (2:13; 5:2,4). Persecution by nations but God has a plan (4:11-12). Check out the bottom line (6:8).
Except for David, all the kings of Judah were born in Jerusalem — the City of God. But, 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah was led to prophesy: Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (eternity) (Mic. 5:2).
At the God-appointed time, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. . . . Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (Luke 2:1,4). As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to go to David's hometown of Bethlehem to register. In issuing his command from Rome, Caesar could only have thought of his own kingdom. However, God directed this heathen emperor's proclamation to fulfill Micah's prophecy.
The most significant statement of Micah's prophecy is: Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. This proclaims both the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer King Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and suffer for the sins of the world if He had a sinful nature like everyone else. Because of this, Jesus the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary without a human father.
Therefore, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary: Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest . . . and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel (Gabriel), How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost (Spirit) shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing (Holy One) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:31-35).
As descendants of Adam, we all have inherited his sinful nature since by one man's (Adam's) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One (Jesus) shall many be made righteous (Rom. 5:19).
Thought for Today:
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Ruler in Israel (Mic. 5:2). Jesus will not only rule Israel but the world. She brought forth a man Child, who was to rule all nations (Rev. 12:5).
Word Studies:
1:16 Make thee bald, and poll thee I have your head as a sign of sorrow for your children shall be taken from you into exile; 2:5 none that shall cast a cord by lot so one who shall divide inheritances (because there shall be no inheritance to divide — see vs 4); 2:7 straitened limited; do not My words do good to him that walketh uprightly this speaks of our Creator, the Spirit of the Lord, and His Word, His perfect guide to life; 2:13 The Breaker refers here to Messiah; 6:9 hear ye the rod obey the rod, the instrument of the coming judgment of God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's 9th birthday & Camilla Orosco's birthday • Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Costello (IL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Sec. Robert Gates (Dept. of Defense), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord and He will save you (Ps. 55:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 1:4