Micah 5: 1-5a Jehovah brings unity to Israel in later times:

"Now muster yourselves in troops, daughter of troops; they have laid siege against us. With a rod they will smite the judge of Israel on the cheek. But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth

are from long ago, from the days of eternity." Therefore he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has born a child. Then the remainder of the brethren will return to the sons of Israel. He will arise and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord. In the majesty of the name

of Lord his God, and they will remain because at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth.

This one will be our peace.

These verses are both historical and messianic. Jesus did come forth from Bethlehem, but in his first advent he was crucified. In his second advent, he will come in power and all of the tribes of Jacob will re-unite as one named Israel and Jerusalem will truly be the City of Peace as its name translates.

Daily Prayer: Father God, we are living in the last days before the return of the Son. Our world is full of violence like in the days of Noah. Hasten the return of Jesus so that your sons and daughters may live in peace under the protection of Christ Jesus. It is in his name I pray Amen.