OUT OF BETHLEHEM

Read Micah 5:2-5a

Key verse: But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2

The chief priests and scribes during the time of King Herod were well aware of this prophecy. When the wise men from the East came seeking the child who was born king of the Jews, and King Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born, they replied, “in Bethlehem of Judea,” and quoted Micah’s prophecy. Bethlehem was a small town southwest of Jerusalem, in sheep grazing country. It was the home of Jesse, father of the shepherd boy David who became the mighty king of Israel. God’s covenant with King David assured him his throne would be established forever. Isaiah prophesied “A shoot shall come from the stump of Jesse; a branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isa. 11:1) The Messiah would come from David’s royal line. In the New Testament, Matthew’s genealogy (Matt.1:1-17) traces the line of the baby born in a stable in Bethlehem back to King David.

Prayer: Dear Lord, We are touched by the humble beginning of our savior’s life – the stable in the small town of Bethlehem. How appropriate that the Good Shepherd should come to this quiet town in sheep herding country! May we humbly bow to worship the king, the Messiah, Jesus, Son of David.  Amen