December 12, A Peculiar Place “Promise of an Eternal Ruler”, by B. Tinkler

Micah 5:2
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.

Theme:
 Though the prophet Micah had been reminding the people of Israel that God was continuing to hold them accountable for their sinful behavior, he now reveals that God will send a Messiah from the humblest tribe and a most peculiar place to become the eternal ruler and good shepherd.
Because the people and leaders of Israel had become corrupt and wicked, Micah predicts the overthrow and downfall of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. But, in the midst of such prophetic destruction, he also provides hope that a remnant will be spared and an eternal savior shall come to rule.

Illustration:
In the early 1970s Canadian Les Emmerson wrote a funny but poignant song entitled, “Signs, Signs,
Everywhere a Sign” in which he mocks those who judge and discriminate against others who don’t look like “regular people” in society, don’t have much money, or don’t have the right clothes or cultural credentials. Especially during this recent presidential cycle, such negative and combative behavior seems to have become emblematic of our own political culture.

Have we as a nation, like the ancient Israelites, turned away from our faith in God who hates sin but loves us sinners? Has God been reduced to a “cosmic pushover,” while people adulate the rich and powerful,
regardless of their corrupt behavior or willingness to manipulate others to get ahead? Do Micah’s prophesies of impending judgment and destruction of Israel and Judah apply to our own society? As we prepare our hearts again for the arrival of Jesus, perhaps now is the time to examine our own actions and behavior toward others.

Takeaway:
I try to live a life pleasing to God. Tim McGraw’s lyrics to the song, “Aways Be Humble and kind” provide guidance for me in relationships with others. It is comforting to know there is a savior king who loves us,
desires to commune with us, and wants us to follow him in areas of generosity, faithfulness, and forgiveness. John 15:5 sums it up well: “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him
produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” (NRSV)

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me be a “connector” of people, lover of justice, and practitioner of mercy, as modeled by our savior and ruler, Jesus. Amen.