The Promise of Bethlehem
12/17/2024
“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 (NIV)
This verse from Micah is one of the most interesting prophecies about the coming Messiah. Bethlehem, a small, seemingly insignificant town in Judah, was chosen as the birthplace of the greatest King the world would ever know, Jesus Christ. God, in His sovereign wisdom, often uses the small and humble to accomplish His eternal purposes.
The phrase “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” points not just to Jesus’ earthly birth but to His eternal existence. Jesus did not begin to exist in Bethlehem; He has always been, He is the Word who was with God and is God (John 1:1). Yet, in humility, He chose to enter the world in a lowly manger in an unassuming village. This speaks volumes about God’s character: He delights in using the unexpected to fulfill His divine will.
For us today, Bethlehem symbolizes hope and the faithfulness of God. No matter how insignificant our circumstances may seem, God is working. Perhaps you feel overlooked, small, or unimportant, like Bethlehem. But remember, God often chooses the humble and hidden for His greatest work. Just as He fulfilled His promise through Bethlehem, He will fulfill His promises in your life.
Embrace, Trust and Focus. They are three things you can do right now to get closer to Christ.
Embrace Humility
God values humility and faithfulness over grandeur. Are there areas where God is asking you to be faithful in small ways?
Trust His Plan
God keeps His promises. Reflect on a time when God showed up in an unexpected way.
Focus on Christ
Amid the busyness of life, turn your heart to Jesus, the King born in Bethlehem, whose reign is eternal.
Remember this, in God’s hands, even the smallest things carry eternal significance. Trust Him to use you for His glory.
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing what the world considers small and insignificant to bring about Your glory. Help me trust Your plans even when I can’t see the full picture. Remind me that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. May my life reflect the humility and hope found in Bethlehem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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 (NIV)
This verse from Micah is one of the most interesting prophecies about the coming Messiah. Bethlehem, a small, seemingly insignificant town in Judah, was chosen as the birthplace of the greatest King the world would ever know, Jesus Christ. God, in His sovereign wisdom, often uses the small and humble to accomplish His eternal purposes.
The phrase “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” points not just to Jesus’ earthly birth but to His eternal existence. Jesus did not begin to exist in Bethlehem; He has always been, He is the Word who was with God and is God (John 1:1). Yet, in humility, He chose to enter the world in a lowly manger in an unassuming village. This speaks volumes about God’s character: He delights in using the unexpected to fulfill His divine will.
For us today, Bethlehem symbolizes hope and the faithfulness of God. No matter how insignificant our circumstances may seem, God is working. Perhaps you feel overlooked, small, or unimportant, like Bethlehem. But remember, God often chooses the humble and hidden for His greatest work. Just as He fulfilled His promise through Bethlehem, He will fulfill His promises in your life.
Embrace, Trust and Focus. They are three things you can do right now to get closer to Christ.
Embrace Humility
God values humility and faithfulness over grandeur. Are there areas where God is asking you to be faithful in small ways?
Trust His Plan
God keeps His promises. Reflect on a time when God showed up in an unexpected way.
Focus on Christ
Amid the busyness of life, turn your heart to Jesus, the King born in Bethlehem, whose reign is eternal.
Remember this, in God’s hands, even the smallest things carry eternal significance. Trust Him to use you for His glory.
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing what the world considers small and insignificant to bring about Your glory. Help me trust Your plans even when I can’t see the full picture. Remind me that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. May my life reflect the humility and hope found in Bethlehem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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