Micah 5:2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of Old, from ancient of days.”

No doubt one of the prominent statements in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah. Several thoughts present themselves in the words of God in this prophecy. One, is the reference to the size of Bethlehem. God is not impressed with size or physical strength as He shows in several relationships with the Davids of the world. The most powerful human who ever lived was born in a remote village near but not in the capitol city. The same future ruler was raised up in another remote village far from the influence of the capitol.

Another thought has to do with the wording of purpose of the coming forth. The Messiah is coming forth for God. This is God’s plan. His idea and thus His purpose. Like everything else in the word the coming of the ruler was according to God’s plan. Those who think their actions can change the purposes of God are fools, whether in the ancient world or the modern. We humans have no control over God’s world. We cannot fix anything or spoil anything outside of God’s plan. Whether economics or pestilence, men’s hearts or earth’s temperature we are but actors on the stage using God’s script. If God intends for a nation to fall it will fall and if God intends for the world to end it will end.

By now you would have thought we had figure that out. We should look at the past and see how futile human attempts to completely alter the course of history have been. Rulers, kings, presidents, despots and tyrants are all subject to God’s veto. James makes that point for everyman in his letter. Better say, “If God wills,” is his advice.

Task for Today: Have you welcomed the new born king? Does He rule in your heart? Does He control your universe? Some trust in chariots and horses; what do you trust in? If you are alarmed at the world’s direction your basic choice today is to pray to God since He and He alone can control its future. Sackcloth and ashes, the wringing of hands, and cries of “O’ no!” will do no more for you and the world than Jonah’s trip to Tarshish. Have faith in the creator who continues to maintain the creation as it suits Him.