The one who brings peace

Peace. What would you pay to have peace in your life?

That’s what the Israelites must have been thinking when Micah was writing. I suspect that many Jews feel the same way even today.

Micah here prophesies the fall of Jerusalem, and a time when the ruler of Judah would be struck and taken down.

But then Micah says that would not be the end of Israel. Rather, another ruler would arise from Bethlehem,

One who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

This, of course, is a prophecy of Jesus, one that the priests and teachers of the law pointed to when Herod asked where the Messiah would come from (Matthew 2:6).

And Micah says of Jesus,

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. (Micah 5:4–5)

How these words must have brought comfort to those who heard them. To be in trouble, in turmoil for years, and to have hope that one was coming who would bring them peace.

The ironic thing is that Jesus did come. But instead of embracing the one who could bring them the peace they longed for, they rejected and crucified him.

Even today, things have not changed. I’m not just talking about the Jews. I’m talking about all of us.

How often do we struggle with fear and hurt in our lives? How often do we long for peace of mind in our lives?

And yet, we refuse to turn to the one who can give us peace. We refuse to let him take the throne of our lives and submit to him.

One day, Jesus will come again, and at that time, he will reign and all will live securely. All will have peace.

But if we’ll only let him take the throne of our hearts, we can have peace now despite the circumstances in our lives that we go through. We can find security for our souls despite all the hurt around us.

Just as Jesus wept for Jerusalem 2000 years ago, he weeps for many of us today, saying as he did then,

How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Luke 13:34)

What was the result for Jerusalem?

Look, your house is left to you desolate. (Luke 13:35)

The result is the same today. Utter desolation for those who turn their backs on Jesus. A life without hope and peace.

How about you? Is your life feeling desolate? Meaningless? Hopeless? Without peace?

The answer for your life hasn’t changed in 2000 years. It’s found only in Jesus. And he longs to take you into his arms and give you the peace, hope, and meaning in life that we all desire.

All you have to do is surrender your life to him. Will you do that today?