Matthew 2:6

Photo Credit: Daniel Burton

O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.

Matthew often quoted Old Testament prophets. This prophesy, paraphrasing Micah 5:2, had been delivered seven centuries earlier. Most religious leaders believed in a literal fulfillment of all Old Testament prophesy, they believed the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, but ironically, when Jesus was born, these same religous leaders became his greatest enemies. When the Messiah for whom they had been waiting finally came, they didn’t recognize him.

In Micah 5: 4-5, the prophesy continues “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. And he will be their peace.”

In one of Jesus’ final talks, as quoted from John 14:27, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us a deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace which is usually defined as absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance no matter what the circumstances. With Christ’s peace we have no need to fear the present or the future. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt and other forces may try to unsettle us but the peace of God moves into our hearts to overcome these forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him.

Thank you God for the gift of your son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace.