<iframe src=”https://app.fusebox.fm/embed/player/track/J24xZ1Wal0/5?uncontained” frameborder=”0″ width=”100%” height=”160″ title=”Rocking Chair Devotions – RCD 004: The Road To Bethlehem”></iframe>or the last couple of weeks, we have been diving into some of the Old Testament prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth. Today, we explore the road to Bethlehem and the power of a prophesy found in the book of Micah.
In the first chapter of Matthew, we see the outline of descendants that leads to Jesus' birth. There were forty-two (42) generations from Abraham to Jesus in the Old Testament.
Beginning with Abraham the line passes through Ruth and Boaz and King David, continues through the exiled period of time, and finishes with Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus.
Genealogies tell the story of families – who they are and were, where they traveled from and to, and how they passed on to the next generation. Each family (good or bad) has something to say in their own unique way.
Matthew lets the readers know the importance of Jesus' birth through His lineage. Jesus' birth was foretold long before He came to be here on Earth.
Micah says,
“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
Bethlehem was a small town in the region, but it had two great significant residents. It was the birthplace of King David and Jesus. Not bad, if you ask me. The greatest King to rule Israel (David) and the Savior of the World (Jesus).
This way, God is funny; He uses what we might deem small and insignificant places on a map to do His greatest work.
Micah says, “out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” The Lord is speaking through Micah as he pens those words.
I don't think Micah would have used the word “me” unless the Lord was speaking. The “me” refers to God himself. The second part of the verse is equally as important – “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This implies that the Savior (Jesus) existed from the beginning of time. Seeing is He was God, then He existed before the dawn of time.
Through this verse, I am reminded that God chooses people, places, and times to fulfill His purpose and will. We may not understand what or even the why, but God knows.
Application
Take a few minutes to pray for those around you who are struggling. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the names and faces of people for you to lift up in prayer.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the Christmas season. Thank you for the reminder of Bethlehem who was small in the eyes of Israel, but played a significant role in preparing the way for Jesus. Please bring to mind someone who I can pray for today. Amen!
The Christmas Gift – Advent Series
- He Will Be Called Immanuel (RCD 002)
- For a Child Is Born To Us (RCD 003)
