Micah 5:2-5a
2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
5a and he shall be the one of peace.
“… 5a and he shall be the one of peace. …”
With continuing news of the war in Ukraine, the atrocities in Gaza, the bombing in Lebanon, the carnage in Sudan, the gang riots in Haiti, and the stream of never-ending violence in our own country – Boy, I long for the coming of the One of peace.
Unfortunately, as it typical, we want that one to come and stop us (humanity) from harming, killing, and hurting one another. We want someone to be the peacemaker – who has the authority and power to stop the fighting, end the conflicts, and institute a time of peace. We long for that one person who will finally utter: “Stop this madness!”
Of course, what we really want is someone to force us to stop us doing to each other what we say we so abhor. We want that one because we are unwilling and incapable of stopping ourselves. That is the tragedy inherent in our desire. We want someone to do it for us.
The prophet reminds us that the Prince of Peace has already come. Rather than forcing our hand, Christ calls us to allow the Spirit to transform our hearts, minds, and souls, turning us from violence, harm, and fighting to lives of gentleness, mercy, and peace. Jesus is the One of peace for whom we long. The problem is, we are unwilling to follow His lead.
Prayer: Prince of Peace, you give us the Holy Spirit and lead us in the way of peace. This day, make me an instrument of Your peace – in my heart, in my mind, in my soul, and in my words and actions. Amen.