Christmas Message From Micah
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE from Micah 5:2-5
The ground themes of the prophets in the Bible like Micah, is not only about judgement - that God being the Righteous Judge cannot just look over sin but He needs to deal with it. The prophets also proclaimed about hope.
No matter what time of history we live in, our main problem is our sinfulness. As written in the Bible, this time in the book of Micah, God sent the solution to our problem - JESUS.
There was a period of about 700 years after Micah prophesied the coming of Jesus. What would the Saviour do?
I. To explain the significance of the Saviour’s Humble Birth v2
There were two Bethlehems in the Bible but this Bethlehem is the one on Ephratah. Why there?
Bethlehem is not big enough, not popular, insignificant with no military power. nor prestige.
God sent our Saviour Jesus Christ to the place because these were the type of people the Messiah is going to save - weak, no beauty and born with troubled circumstance. God’s way is to choose choose the weakest, smallest and unable to contribute for this salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
WE ARE BETHLEHEM. We need the Saviour Jesus.
II. To show God’s Divine Initiative v2b
God’s purpose is not only to save us from our sins; it is ultimately to glorify Himself. Because no one can contribute to the solution for our sinfulness, and to truly glorify God , Jesus came. Jesus is the Perfect Temple, the Perfect Israelite, the Perfect King, the Perfect Priest, the Perfect Prophet, the Perfect Sacrifice and the Perfect Son. The ultimate purpose of of a Christian is to glorify God.
If this sound God is selfish and needy for you, then take sunrise for example. The sun rises day after day after day and we people rejoice in the glorious display of nature. Do you tell yourself that God is selfish when you see the sunrise? For me? No. God’s glory is transformative.
III. To bring Peace v5
The Assyrian army were coming to take over the Israelites. God sent the Assyrians as instrument of His judgement.
We are at war with God because of our sins. Jesus came to live the perfect life - not sinning (never being under the wrath of God). Christ took upon himself the penalty for our sin when he died in the cross on our behalf. That sinners like you and ME will have peace with God. Through Jesus, by placing your faith in Him, can have peace with our Maker.
Isaiah 9:6 writes, For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.