We turn from Isaiah to Micah today for more prophecies about our promised Messiah. Micah began this chapter discussing how Israel is dishonored by the neighboring peoples, but Micah promises this disgrace will not last forever; in fact, he prophesies a deliverer—the Messiah—will come out of the most unexpected place. Pause and consider how perfectly timed and orchestrated Jesus’ birth and life was, foretold hundreds of years in advance. Only Jesus could fulfill these prophecies.

Micah 5.2-5a

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Which tribe in particular does Micah address? What are they known for? What does Micah prophesy about this tribe? [v. 2]

+ About Bethlehem: Commentator, Matthew Henry, remarks, “Beth-lehem signifies the house of bread, the fittest place for him to be born in who is the bread of life.” Why else would Bethlehem, being the City of David, be the perfect place for the Messiah to be born? (John 7.42)

+ Where is the Messiah’s origin? What does this say about the Messiah? [v. 2]

+ Matthew Henry also notes that the words “come forth” are similar to those used when describing the word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut. 8.3) which reminds us also of John’s description of the Messiah as “the Word” (John 1.1-2).

+ “Ancient days” is also translated from everlasting.

+ How will the Messiah come to his people? [ v.3]

+ How does Micah describe the character of the Messiah and his kingdom? [v. 4-5]

+ What does this prophecy reveal about the heart of God for his people?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I believe that God will honor insignificant things (like Bethlehem) and use them for His glory and His kingdom? Are there small things in my life that I’ve written off as too insignificant to be meaningful to God?

+ How can I join/relate to the ancient Israelites who were waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises in this season of Advent (the season of expectation at His coming)?

+ Do I know in a tangible way Jesus as my shepherd, security, and peace? What is keeping me from believing this?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?