Micah 5:5-6 - Homiletics

The Prince of Peace.

Solomon as well as David was a type of Christ; and just as Micah, when he said (verse 4), "He shall stand and feed," etc; probably thought of the shepherd youth, raised to the throne of Israel, as typical of Israel's spiritual King, who would eventually appear and bring heavenly strength and succour to a needy world, so when he added respecting the Messiah, " And this Man shall be the Peace, " he thought of the peaceful rule of Solomon, and saw in this a symbol of that spiritual tranquillity which the Christ, the greater than Solomon, should, through his appearing, bring to human hearts, and ultimately to the world at large. And the same characteristic of the Messiah was present to the mind of Isaiah, and found expression in one of the titles employed by him in that remarkable cluster of designations (see Isaiah 9:6 ), so rich in spiritual significance—" The Prince of Peace. " The text applies to—

I. THE DISTRACTIONS WHICH ARISE TO US IN OUR PERSONAL LIFE .

1 . In our sinfulness we find peace in Christ. Sin is attended by distraction. It separates from God, the true Source of rest. It creates inward disquiet; for whilst when we do right conscience approves, "in whisper gentle and secret, like the murmur of a brook beneath the foliage," yet when we do wrong its accusations prey upon the spirit as with a fever's strength. And there is no deliverance from all this disquietude but in Christ ( Matthew 11:28 ; Romans 5:1 ).

2 . In our sorrowfulness we find peace in Christ. He traverses the stormy seas of sorrow, and these adverse waves obey his voice. Amidst all the strifes and struggles of our life occasioned by our darker experiences he can give our spirits rest. Though in the world we must have tribulation, yet in him we have peace.

3 . In our intellectual questionings and doubtings we find peace in Christ. The spirit of inquiry is rife in this age. Increased light is being shed upon various questions, and may necessitate the laying aside of opinions and forms of thought, long cherished. But, amidst this shaking and uprooting, the historical Christ remains, and his words, so charmingly simple and clear, so confident and reassuring, abide forever. And reposing with childlike trust in him and in his utterances, in which he has revealed to us the true way of life here, and has assured us of a blessed immortality with him hereafter, all mental unrest ceases, and our minds stayed thus shall ever be kept at perfect rest. "And this Man shall be the Peace."

II. THE DIFFERENCES WHICH PREVAIL BETWEEN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES .

1 . From within. There will be such differences. Truth is many-sided, and our mental constitution varies. But amidst these diversities there is a centre of unity— Christ himself . Sharing his spirit, and being under the inspiration of his love, men become united in heart, and, despite their differences, are mane one through the possession of a common life and love. This is the true unity, the being one in life, and therefore in spirit, aim, endeavour, and in sympathy with our Father who is in heaven, and with his Christ, who came to save his people from all selfishness and sin, and to establish a universal brotherhood amongst men. It was for this that the great Intercessor prayed in his memorable high priestly prayer ( John 17:21 ).

2 . From without . Verses 5 and 6 dearly refer to assaults from without. Whether we take the reference to Assyria metaphorically or literally, the allusion must be to external attacks. And God in Christ is the Refuge and Strength of his Church, and amidst these will keep her in perfect peace whilst she rests in him ( Psalms 46:1-11 .).

III. THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN NATIONS . It is mournful to reflect upon the method adopted, even by civilized and enlightened nations, in order to settle the disputes which arise between them. The appeal is made to the arbitrament of the sword. The heart sickens at the very thought of the battlefield, with all the suffering and desolation connected with it, and yearns with ardent desire for the coming of that bright day of God in which such strife shall cease. And our assurance of its coming rests upon Christ. Peace is a distinguishing characteristic of his holy gospel, which shall at length universally be accepted ( James 3:17 ; Galatians 5:22 ), and the acceptance of which shall be followed by peoples dwelling in amity and concord ( Isaiah 11:6-9 ; Micah 4:3 ). Christ's disciples should be eminently distinguished by this spirit of peace. No contentious jarring spirit, out of tune, and hence marring the harmony of the concert, should be found amongst them, but all their voices should be in agreement, thus producing the sweetest music ( Psalms 133:1-3 .).