“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.” (Micah 5:2 NLT).
In the midst of Micah’s prophecy of judgment against Israel, the Spirit revealed the future birthplace of the Messiah. This is the prophecy that the priests and scribes quoted to King Herod when the Magi came seeking the one born king of the Jews (Matt. 2:6).
Bethlehem was also called the “Town of David,” as it was King David’s birthplace. How fitting that the “ruler of Israel,” the Son of David, would be born there too. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread” (Hebrew: “beth” = “house,” + “lechem” = “bread”). How appropriate that the “Bread of Heaven” would be born in the “House of Bread.”
This small town was also known for the quality of its sheep and because of its close proximity to Jerusalem, it was one of the sources of Passover lambs that were sold for sacrifice in the Temple. How shocking, yet how wondrous that this One whose origin is from antiquity, from eternity, would be the Lamb of God born in a Bethlehem stable.
Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born in little Bethlehem, far from the wealthy cities of the world and welcomed by humble shepherds. God revealed His birthplace to Micah over 700 years before He came. Micah’s prophecy is only one of 300 messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament that have been fulfilled by Jesus.
Have you welcomed Jesus into your life?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to us for our salvation. He is the reason we celebrate this season. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all. Empower us to proclaim His gospel to everyone. In Jesus’ name, amen.