Keeping Our Eyes Fixed On Bethlehem

Micah 5: A Reminder of True Hope and Power

“Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting…” (Micah 5:1-2).

Micah’s prophetic words, written over 700 years before Christ’s birth, call us to shift our focus away from the intimidating powers of this world and toward the unshakable promises of God. In a time of political turbulence, these verses challenge us to remain faithful, remembering that true peace and justice come not from earthly systems but from the sovereign hand of God.

The Power of Assyria: A Historical Parallel

The Assyrian empire, a dominant force in Micah’s time, exemplified ruthlessness and ambition. Their program was simple: impose a one-world order through assimilation and domination. Nations that submitted to Assyrian rule were treated kindly, but those who resisted faced unimaginable brutality. Rulers were skinned alive, populations were scattered, and cultures were obliterated to break any sense of identity or loyalty.

This strategy echoes in modern times, as global powers seek to erase distinctions, advocating for unity devoid of truth. Today’s “Assyria” manifests as a deep state or political machinery that insists on conformity, often cloaked in the language of tolerance and progress. Yet, while Assyria’s power was undeniable, Micah reminded the people of Judah that their hope was not directly opposing Assyria but trusting the eternal ruler promised to come from Bethlehem.

The Corruption of Judah

Judah, the kingdom chosen by God, was no beacon of hope in Micah’s day. Its rulers were described as cannibals, devouring their own people while tolerating enemies. Instead of leading with justice, they oppressed the righteous, focusing their fury inward rather than outward against real threats.

Micah’s rebuke of Judah feels painfully relevant. In our context, leaders in high places often target faithful believers more harshly than address actual dangers. Political rhetoric against Christian values sometimes eclipses efforts to confront real evils. Like Judah, nations today may turn on their own, undermining their moral foundation while emboldening external threats.

The Promise of Bethlehem

Against the backdrop of Assyria’s dominance and Judah’s corruption, Micah redirects the faithful to an unlikely source of hope: Bethlehem. A small, insignificant village, Bethlehem would become the birthplace of the Messiah, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).

This promise reminds us that God’s plan does not depend on human strength or political power. Bethlehem, though little, represents God’s sovereignty and His ability to use the humble and overlooked to accomplish His purposes. Just as the Messiah came from Bethlehem, the church—Christ’s body—is called to stand as a witness, even when it appears weak in the eyes of the world.

Faithful Witness in a Hostile World

Micah’s prophecy speaks to every generation of believers facing hostility. Those who align with Christ are described as being like “dew from the Lord,” refreshing and unstoppable, and like “a lion among the beasts,” a force of judgment for those who reject God’s truth (Micah 5:7-8).

The faithful are both a blessing and a challenge to the world. To those who receive the gospel, they bring life and renewal, as dew brings nourishment to the grass. To those who reject it, they are a reminder of accountability, as a lion among sheep leaves no escape. This dual role requires courage. It is tempting to look at the power of modern “Assyria” or the corruption of our systems and despair. Yet Micah reminds us that the faithful belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Their strength comes not from political alliances or cultural influence but from their connection to Christ, the eternal King.

Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

Micah’s call to focus on Bethlehem is not just about looking back to the birth of Christ; it is about recognizing His ongoing reign. The same Christ who came as a child in Bethlehem is the eternal King who rules today. His power and promises remain, offering peace in the midst of turmoil.

The temptation to place our trust in political systems, leaders, or movements is strong. Yet history proves their frailty. Assyria fell, and so will every earthly empire. Micah directs our attention to what endures: the Messiah and His unchanging purposes.

A Challenge to the Church

As modern believers, our task is clear: to live as witnesses to Christ’s kingdom. This means standing firm in truth, even when it is unpopular, and trusting in God’s promises, even when they seem distant. As John Calvin once said, “we are called to expect from Christ as much salvation as there is power in God.”

Human power cannot hinder the gospel, no matter how imposing it seems. Christ is our peace, reconciling us to God and empowering us to face a world that often opposes His truth.

The Glory of Bethlehem and Beyond

As we reflect on the significance of Bethlehem, let us remember that it represents more than Christ’s birthplace. It symbolizes the unshakable hope we have in Him. Though the world’s powers may seem overwhelming, Micah assures us that God’s plan is absolutely unstoppable.

Bethlehem teaches us to fix our eyes on Christ, trusting that His purposes will prevail. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Let this be our confidence as we navigate a world that often mirrors the challenges of Micah’s time. Christ remains our only peace, our only power, and our only promise of ultimate victory.

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