Day 16: Ancient Peace
A selection from 25 Days of Peace 2021, adapted 2024
In Micah, there is a prophecy about the Messiah that I want to wrap my heart around. It connects three things (at least) for us: The Messiah is from ancient days, he comes in strength, and he is our peace.
Daily Reading:
But, you Bethlehem who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days…And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure for he shall be great to the ends of the earth and he shall be their peace. Micah 5:2-5
Peace is ancient. Not like decrepit ancient. Rather, strong. It’s a tried and true force, remaining through every age. The strength of the peace Jesus brings has always been.
Can you grasp the power of peace?
Like the little town of Bethlehem, we get to host it. It’s ours through the blood of Jesus. And this same peace is continually being produced in us by the Holy Spirit. It just keeps increasing (as Isaiah 9:7 mentions) as we yield to our Savior.
For a weary world–a weary people–, that is good news.
Jesus, as we celebrate your birth and prepare our hearts for your return, thank you for the strength of peace. Thank you for making it available to us through the cross. I rejoice in you, in your peace.
Brave Sparrow 