SCRIPTURE: Micah 4
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. [Micah 4:1]
In bible times, the high ground was a strategic place for war, as well as for worship (closer to the gods).
The highest mountain was the greatest power, in heaven and on earth.
Jerusalem and the temple was built on Mount Zion, but it was not the highest mountain, the greatest power in heaven or on earth.
History records the rise and fall of nations and powers and rulers, but here Micah says that one day God and His kingdom will be the highest, and all wars will end.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. [Micah 4:3]
We are so used to the historical pendulum, we don’t expect anything else.
In recent decades we have seen the fall of communism in Soviet Russia, the rise of third world countries like China and India, the tottering economic and military power of the US, and the present struggles in Arab countries.
Will it ever end, will all nations and people ever be gathered together into one family, one people, no more war, under the highest mountain – God?
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [John 12:31-32]
We believe that Jesus is the One that will do this.
He raised up on a cross, but is now exalted on the throne of God.
He has taught us God’s ways, He has assembled the lame and the exiles [Micah 4:2,6].
He humbled Himself to a low place, but now has been given the Name that is above every other name, that is, the highest place.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:8-11]
Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise; He will one day end the historical pendulum and establish God’s authority once and for all.
May that day come quickly!
PRAYER:
Lord, we are so used to the way things are, it’s hard to believe that one day it will end. More than just a dream, this is a deep hope. Come quickly Lord!