December 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Micah 5:2-5a
The Ruler from Bethlehem

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,
whose origin is from of old,
   from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
   when she who is in labour has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
   to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
   in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
   to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.

Reflection
This prophecy gives an overview of time in Israel. From the kings that would come from the small and insignificant town of Bethlehem to the time of exile and beyond. A mother is mentioned that will give birth to a king that would restore Israel. A king that would unite the scattered and exiled Israelites once again into a great nation.

A king that would bring safety to his people. A king that would rule with strength and majesty. This would be a kingdom that would have no end. A king that would bring eternal peace.

Sure sounds like Jesus to me. Jesus leading his people like sheep. Giving his people the bread of life to live on. And all this not only for Israel but for all people.

A passage of hope and comfort as we wait and prepare for Jesus coming today into our hearts and lives; as we wait for the celebration of Jesus coming in the past on that great day and as we wait and prepare for Jesus return in the future.

Prayer
Lord, throughout the ages people have looked forward to your coming. May we, this day, receive you into our hearts as we rejoice in your coming as a child years ago and as we wait in the hope of your return to us in the future. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen