He Shall Be Their Peace: Micah 5:2-5a

In Micah 5:2-5 we read another remarkable prophecy about the coming Messiah. Here is what we see:

1. Micah 5a: "And he shall be their peace..." Who shall be their peace?
The one:

-Who shall come forth from Bethlehem Ephrathah.
-Who is to be ruler in Israel.
-Whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
-Whose brothers shall return to the people of Israel.
-Who shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD.
-Who shall be great to the ends of the earth.

2. "And he shall be their peace..." Who is "their" referring to? In the context of Micah's prophesy we have:

-Israel
-Gentiles
-The elect remnant (Jew & Gentile)

3. "And he shall be their peace..." What is this "peace"?
In the context (Micah's whole prophecy) peace would refer to rest and protection from their enemies. It would also refer to peace (reconciliation) with God.

-Micah 4 - "There you shall be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies...and many nations shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD"

The context of "peace" above, is mainly an earthly peace, with the nations flowing into the mountain of the Lord united (Jew & Gentile) in peace. But we also read, "we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever", which would suggest something more – eternal peace to be enjoyed by the remnant/elect of God, both now and forever.

Jesus is "the fountainhead of peace between God and man, between Israel and Israel's justly offended God, and, as the consequence, the fountain of 'peace on earth,' where heretofore all is strife" (Jamison). Jesus is "the cause and author of peace...between God and men...by the blood of his cross..." (John Gill).

As we approach Easter (Good Friday & Resurrection Sunday), feast on Ephesians 2:11-22

"...remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from...Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you...have been brought near by the blood of Christ. FOR HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE, who has made us both one...that he might create in himself one new man...,so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross.... And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near."

This Easter season do not focus on peace. Instead set your full attention on the One who is your peace. Some of you may have seen the bumper sticker with this simple phrase:

Know Jesus, Know Peace
No Jesus, No Peace.

This is just another way of saying, "He Himself is our peace."

by Ernie Kerwin