GPS Guide – December 4, 2018
GREAT JOY
Tuesday
Read: Micah 5:1-4
“Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod. 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, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” (NIV Micah 5:1-4)
Study: The scribes in Matthew 2:3-6 used today’s reading to tell King Herod and the magi where to seek the Messiah. The prophet Micah wrote about a king who would come from Bethlehem, “shepherd his flock” well, and make his people secure. In Micah’s day, the Assyrian Empire loomed over Israel, and the people feared both their own wicked kings and Assyrian rule. Micah reminded the people of Israel that, even at a time of fear and insecurity, God was still active and present. We, too, can find comfort in his words, knowing that God is active and present in our scary, insecure times through Christ. Living in uncertain times as we do, in what sense are you “dwelling secure” as one of Christ’s flock?
Prayer: God, may I find a “dwelling place” in your arms today. Even when I am afraid or when I feel alone, you are with me. I pray this in your name, Amen.