December 8

December 8 – Peace Foretold

READ

Micah 5:2-5 “The Ruler Who will be our peace”

DEVOTION

Centuries before Jesus was born, God made a surprising promise through the prophet Micah. Peace was coming! But, it wouldn’t be in the way or from the place that anyone expected. Micah pointed Israel’s attention to Bethlehem. Once honored as the City of David, by Jesus’ day its importance had faded. The scholars and teachers of the Law knew Micah’s prophecy pointed there, but the average person wasn’t watching Bethlehem. It was too small, too quiet, too ordinary.

Yet, God said, “One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me..” Verse 2

Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 1:27-28 “…And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.”

Bethlehem reminds us that God’s peace doesn’t come through human power or prestige. It comes through Who God chooses. God was foretelling a peace that is grounded not in circumstances, but in the coming of The One, whose origins are from ancient times, pointing to the birth of Jesus and His eternal nature.

This tells us that Christmas is not merely the story of a baby who was born in a manger. It is the unfolding of an ancient promise that was spoken long before the first Christmas ever arrived. God’s one and only Son Jesus was stepping down to bring peace that no human or leader could ever achieve.

Micah goes on to describe this coming ruler as a Shepherd and King, one who would lead with strength, tenderness and faithfulness. He would gather God’s scattered children. He would restore what sin had broken. He would bring peace and security to anxious hearts. Micah then gives the very heart of the prophecy:

“He will be our peace.”

Micah didn’t say someday. Or eventually. He didn’t say if the world gets better, or the chaos settles down.

He Himself will be our peace. He IS peace. And this peace was foretold. It wasn’t just an afterthought, it was planned. It was promised. It was announced centuries ahead of time.

Before Bethlehem ever saw a baby born in a manger, God had already spoken this:

Peace is coming! Peace has a name, and it is Jesus Christ!

REFLECT

Where do you need the peace of Christ to become real in your life today? How can you invite the King of Kings to be the very source of your peace?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, thank you that long before I ever asked for peace, You had already planned and promised it. Help me to turn every aspect of my life toward You, so that You may be the foundation and place that I find everything I need…my peace, my guidance for every day, and my joy. Fill the anxious and unsettled places in me with Your life-giving peace.

Amen.