“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 securely, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

And he will be their peace.”
— Micah 5:4-5

The people of God were facing hard times.

Their enemies were on the march, coming to destroy their cities, defile their temple, and humiliate their king.

In this season of strife, God raised up a voice — the prophet — to stir the people’s hearts and imaginations. His words were more than simply pedantic descriptions of these unfavorable circumstances. The prophet used his words to plunge us into a world of presence, to a space where we might encounter the living God.

Micah was one such prophet. And in his day, he spoke words of judgment and hope.

God will send His people into exile.

And God will restore their fortunes and bring them back home.

When this happens, God will crown a new king in Israel. This Shepherd-King will be born in humility, in Bethlehem, in squalor. He will fulfill the ancient promises of God toward His covenant people.

And He will offer Himself to us, becoming our peace — our shalom, our well being, our completeness.

Lord, be our peace.

In these hard days, shepherd us in the strength and majesty of the LORD God Almighty.