Guest post by Jeanette Andrade
December 22 Scripture Selection: Micah
Food for Thought: Mic. 2:12, 13; 5:2-5
What great treasures can be found in the book of Micah revealing the Lord Jesus! The book introduces Him centuries before He arrives in flesh and blood on earth, giving us insight as to Who He is, what He does, and even where He comes from long in advance so that He could be identified as the Messiah when He appeared. The authenticity of Jesus is further confirmed all throughout Scripture.
Here, we see Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who brings together the many sheep of His fold (2:12; 5:4). He confirms this about Himself in John 10:11 saying, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Of course, in further scriptures this is verified to be true. Jesus also refers to Himself as the Gate (2:13), or the Door. In John 10:7 and 9 He says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Even the place of His birth is predicted by Micah, which, after the arrival of Jesus, the chief priests and scribes referred to when Herod asked them where the King was expected to be born (Mat. 2:1-6). Micah calls Jesus “the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old from everlasting (5:2)” and adds, “For now He shall be great to the ends of the earth, and this One shall be Peace (5:4, 5),” the same God of Peace to Whom Paul refers that will crush Satan under our feet, removing the antipodal adversary of peace for once and for all (See Gen. 3:15 and Rom. 16:20).
As Jesus our King prepared to leave earth and return to heaven, He told His disciples in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He is our loving King and our Shepherd. He leads us, feeds us, comforts us, protects us, restores us, instilling His perfect peace in us, just as the prophets have said.
Digging Deeper (What scriptures can further enhance today’s reading?):
Getting Personal (What has God shown you in today’s reading?):
Confession of Faith (Example: Lord, based on Mat. 1:21 and 23, I understand that Jesus is God, and I receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior.):
Important Events on This Day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.):
Very good, thank you.
Alfred