Imagine living in a world with Christ on the throne and everyone acknowledging His authority. There is no more darkness. No more confusion. No more sin. No more pain. In Micah 5:6, the prophet speaks of a shepherd who will change life for God’s people forever. He was not just speaking of a leader who would have the qualities of the Lord; Micah was speaking of the Lord Jesus Himself! In Micah chapter 5, the prophet paints a portrait of what life will be like for God’s people at Christ’s Second Coming: “they will live securely” for eternity with the LORD God as their leader (v. 4). This ruler would not only be for the people of Israel, but the Messiah’s “greatness will reach to the ends of the earth” (v. 4). When He comes again, He will reign forever. A similar prediction is given by the prophet Isaiah. He speaks not of a shepherd, but of a “child” whose names are “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Both prophets emphasize the eternal nature of Christ’s reign. Isaiah says that for Christ’s kingdom there “will be no end” (v. 7). Both paint a picture of peace, a stark contrast to the long history of oppression and war God’s people had endured. In that day, life will be as it was in the garden of Eden, when God and humans walked together (Genesis 2). We will experience true justice. This will not just be a temporary time of happiness, a break from the sinful existence we now endure; Christ will reign forever. “[T]hey will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth” (Mic. 5:4). >> What do you anticipate most about Christ’s Second Coming? Contrast the way life is now with the picture given by these two prophets. What will change? What will stay the same? Read also: Isaiah 9:6–7