“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.”
- Micah 5:2
 
Let’s chase this rabbit trail today: “over Israel.” If the Messiah would rule over Israel, what does that mean for those of us who aren’t Jewish, for those of us in America? Did this jangle for anyone else as you’ve been reflecting on this passage this week?
 
First, Israel in today’s text is not the same as today’s nation-state of Israel. The ancient nation of Israel split into two kingdoms after King Solomon’s reign: the Southern Kingdom (called “Judah”) and the Northern Kingdom (called “Israel” just to confuse us!). The modern nation of Israel came about after WWII as the Zionist movement gained steam nationally and Holocaust survivors looked for a place to call home.
 
In today’s text, is Micah talking about a reunited Israel (both kingdoms) or the Northern Kingdom? It’s easy to miss this distinction. Throughout the Book of Micah, he addresses both the united kingdoms (all Israel) and the Northern Kingdom (esp. its capital city, Samaria). In context, we think he’s talking to all God’s people here.
 
Whew!
 
And here’s why that matters: King Jesus will be king over all of God’s people, not just king over a particular nation-state. His kingdom includes people in Jerusalem and in Samaria. Even we Americans get included. We, who are so often used to be in the center of attention, we are not forgotten here.
 
The original hearers of Micah’s prophecy would never have expected us to be included. Our inclusion is something that the apostle Paul called “the mystery … that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6).” 
 
No one is excluded because of their ethnic background or the place of their birth. We all have an opportunity to be part of Jesus’ kingdom and to thrive under his reign.
 
As you move toward Christmas, you might encounter family and friends and neighbors for whom faith is not a part of their lives. Maybe they think they’re excluded or would never be welcomed by Jesus because of their background. 
 
How might you share the good news of Jesus’ inclusive kingdom during this Christmas season? Who can you pray for? Who can you invite to join you at Christmas Eve? Who can you share with?