I think it is fun as Christmas approaches to look at the cosmological implications and aspects of the Second Person of the Trinity coming to earth and becoming Incarnate. So without further ado, my finals have ended and I return to writing:
Micah 4:1-5 depicts the earth during the Millennial Kingdom. While a multitude of characteristics and events are described, the passage holistically speaks to the peace that God will bring the earth in the end times. Various clues throughout the first five verses demonstrate that the prophet Micah expected eschatological fulfillment of the prophecy rather than post-exilic. The passage is laced with Messianic themes (v. 1, 3, 4) as well as anticipatory visions of the universal acceptance of the Word of YHWH (v. 2, 3, 4). Importantly, the themes of kingdom and peace are inextricably linked throughout this passage demonstrating the need and coming fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth.
Verse 1 projects this peace to come “in the last days.” Only after the second advent of the Messiah will God’s righteousness and Word truly rule throughout the earth. Micah depicts the “house of the Lord,” as high up a mountain, chief and supreme above all the mountains and hills of the earth. His house reigns and stands authoritatively over the nations and people of the earth. It is crucial to one’s understanding of eschatological peace that it begins with the sovereignty of God. Only by and through His authority can such peace fill the earth and dominate the hearts and actions of mankind.
Verse 2 progresses from God’s house on His holy hill to depict the nations seeking Him. In the Millennial Kingdom all the nations will acknowledge the supremacy and righteousness of God. Jerusalem will be known as the city from which the voice of truth decrees and all will seek it. Though there will be peace and prosperity throughout the land, there will still be much to learn and know. God will be acknowledged as more than just sovereign but as the Source of all good things to know and do. The house of the Lord will not only be His dwelling place but the center of His kingdom as, “from Zion will go forth the law.”
The Messiah will function not only as King but as Judge as well. In seeking His wisdom the nations will seek His counsel. His rule extends beyond Jerusalem and its neighbors on to, “many distant nations.” The Millennial Kingdom can thus be characterized as authoritative over all the earth. The Messiah renders judgment and decree over all the people of the earth as each respond obediently to the Word of God. In His wisdom and sovereignty He will declare peace over all the earth to which the armies of the world will obey. Micah depicts the soldiers of every nation casting aside their weapons and ceasing to train for battle.
The Word of God is so authoritative that every person will be able to live in peace and comfort. Verse 4 illustrates the confidence and feelings of security that all people will enjoy. It is remarkable that in these last days there will be such peace solely because the Word of God has declared it. All of the world and its inhabitants respond obediently and automatically to the authoritative declaration of the Messiah King. There is no fear or unrest in the Millennial Kingdom, but rather jubilee and worship of God Almighty.
Each of these components of the Millennial Kingdom produces an all-encompassing peace that surpasses all imagination. God’s people will enjoy and understand a reliance on God never before attained. Because of the security and freedom of the Messiah’s rule, man will become clearly aware of his dependence on the blessing and provision of God on His holy hill. They are able to live their lives in such a fashion solely because God Almighty has declared it to be so. In such a state it will further be impossible for idolatry to exist, as all God’s people will be unable to honor and worship anything or anyone except the Triune God.
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