ニューイングランドの母校から、今年もアドベントの日々メッセージ その22

ニューイングランドの母校から、今年もアドベントの日々メッセージ　その22
DECEMBER 23, 2018
Waiting with Assurance
Micah 5:2-5
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel” (NIV).

Micah, a prophet of doom, predicted disaster: The Assyrians would invade Israel and march through Israel’s fortresses (v. 5). He predicted that Israel would be “abandoned” (v. 3) and sent into exile (Mic 1:16). However, Micah also predicted Israel’s restoration. A future ruler would be born in Bethlehem, a prophecy which was fulfilled when Jesus the
Messiah was born.

We are now waiting for the rest of Micah’s prophecy to be fulfilled: Jesus’ return to rule the whole world (v. 4), when “his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth,” when he will be as tender as a shepherd to his flock, and when we will live in peace and security. By contrasting doom with restoration, Micah makes clear that God’s covenant love and promises are more powerful than human evil, and that God does not leave us without consolation. However, in the midst our own life uncertainties, we are waiting for Jesus’ return “more than watchmen wait for the morning” (Ps 130:6).

As we watch and wait, can we be sure this ruler will come? The Magi went to Bethlehem, based on Micah’s prophecy (Matt 2:11), and found Jesus there. We wait with the same assurance.

Come, Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20).

Karen Mason, Ph.D.
Professor of Counseling and Psychology; Director of the Counseling Department at Hamilton