Bible Study - Micah 5:1-6 - 11-4-2009

We had a wonderful discussion this morning of Micah 5:1-6.  This is a passage cited in Matthew 2:6, naming Jesus as the one who fulfilled the prophecy.  Note, however, that Jesus did not fulfill the prophecy in the manner expected by the whole passage.  Micah writes of one who will be a mighty king over Israel who will be a shepherd for Israel and conquer those who would destroy Israel, specifically the Assyrians.  He, with other rulers of Israel will rule the Assyrians with the sword (Micah 5:5b-6).

Verse four and the first half of verse 5, however, states that this great king shall be "the one of peace":

(4)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;
(5)and he shall be the one of peace.

Obviously, Jesus did not fulfill the part of the prophecy stating that he would rule the Assyrians with the sword, and many feel he didn't fulfill the part of the prophecy written above.  As Christians, we believe what the earliest followers of Jesus believed, that he is the one spoken of in the prophecy and that he has and will be the one of peace.  The final consummation of that peace has not yet occurred, but his reign has begun.

Jesus preached and lived peace.  He was not a military ruler who conquered other nations.  Rather, he gave up his life, offering us grace and forgiveness.  By his life, teaching, death, and resurrection, Jesus was and is "the one of peace", teaching his disciples to bless those who curse them and not return evil for evil, offering grace and forgiveness.

As we discussed Micah, we turned to the cycle of violence throughout the Bible and throughout human history.  A nation or people (individuals, groups, etc.) is oppressed or conquered by others.  A remnant remains.  That remnant seeks justice or vengeance upon their former oppressors.

How can we end the cycle of violence?  Grace and Forgiveness.