Seven hundred years before the birth of the Messiah, God spoke a message of hope through the prophet Micah. God had not forgotten His people. He knew their needs and would work for their blessing (Micah 5:2).
That message is real today. We have seen its fulfillment. We understand God has worked and He continues to work.
Let’s look at the content of the message.
“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.”
Four aspects stand out to me. First, God would bring forth one from Israel, specifically from the insignificant village of Bethlehem. Second, this one is “for me.” He would do God’s bidding. Third, the one to be born (Micah 5:3 makes this clear, “she who is in labor gives birth”) will rule over Israel. Fourth, he is from old, from ancient times. Today, we would say that he is the Son of God.
What a magnificent understanding of how God was at work.
God is still at work.
What is God saying through the message of Bethlehem?
First, God is our hope. He is at work to deliver His people. He has not forgotten you or misplaced you. He is the same yesterday, today, forever. He can be counted on. That is the powerful message of Bethlehem. God cares for His people–He cares for you. Just as He worked in the past to bring forth His Son, He will work in our day to complete His work.
Second, God works in His ways and in His time. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways greater than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Sometimes we tend to forget that God is smarter than any of us. That is what all wise means.
Third, God keeps His promises. He can be counted on. What He has promised, He will carry out.
Finally, God is faithful. He was faithful in the past; He will be faithful today. You can count on Him.
Do you have insight or questions that you would share in the comments below? I will do my best to interact with your discussion.
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