"“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
One of the more familiar Messianic prophecies found
throughout the Old Testament. We
especially call this one to mind at or around Christmas because it symbolizes
the celebration of our Lord’s birth.
Yet, I think we often fail to recall the prophetic passages throughout
the year as we busy ourselves with the realities of life. This morning, it is my desire that you should
pause, reflect and ponder the significance of the words that God placed on the
heart and lips of these men at that time.
Kings come from palaces and are destined to greatness from the moment of birth. We observe the popularity of Prince William today and stand in awe and wonder at his life. The opulence that has been bestowed upon him throughout his life of luxury awaiting his throne. The world applauds his actions and watches his every move through the lens of some photo-journalist trying to make a buck or two along the way. Prince William was born in London to Prince Charles and Princess Diane. From birth he was acknowledged as the future King of England one day. This was the people’s expectation when they thought of a King’s birth. Very public, very much anticipated and very much on display.
So, by comparison, Jesus is born in a small village a few kilometers from Jerusalem, the center of Israel’s existence at that time. King David and King Solomon both established Jerusalem as the Kingdom’s heart and built the temple there to worship God. Without fanfare or celebration the King of all Kings was not born in the lime light of mankind’s power and authority. How was it missed? With the prophetic word from Micah, the Pharisee’s and rulers of Israel at the time missed the birth of their King in a stable just a half days walk away. Who were they looking for?
Was it expected that the King of the Jews would be born in Jerusalem, despite the prophetic word of Micah? Was the humble settings of his birth what caused him to go un-noticed throughout the land? We can look back and see the events unfolding and see how the prophecies were fulfilled, yet when living amongst them were they blind to his birth. Scriptures tell us of the wise men that visited King Herod and explained the prophecy, which led to the slaughter of hundreds (perhaps thousands) of boys under the age of 2 in the city of Bethlehem. He seemed to recognize the power and authority as a risk to his own throne and reacted in such a way to put an end to it. He was looking for an earthly King to come from Bethlehem and was threatened by it. We are told the wise men from the East recognized his prominence at birth, as did the shepherds in and around Bethlehem that night.
So, what are your expectations of Christ’s return? Will you miss it, as you wait patiently? How are you preparing for His return, as prophesied by John in Revelations? I do not know when but I do know He will return and claim His rightful place upon the throne as the King of Kings, to whom every knee will bow. I emphasize the word every, regardless of faith, culture, belief or non-belief – every knee will bow in recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord. Do not let His return come and go without you. Now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for His coming be watchful for the signs are plentiful, and you won’t want to miss it.
Kings come from palaces and are destined to greatness from the moment of birth. We observe the popularity of Prince William today and stand in awe and wonder at his life. The opulence that has been bestowed upon him throughout his life of luxury awaiting his throne. The world applauds his actions and watches his every move through the lens of some photo-journalist trying to make a buck or two along the way. Prince William was born in London to Prince Charles and Princess Diane. From birth he was acknowledged as the future King of England one day. This was the people’s expectation when they thought of a King’s birth. Very public, very much anticipated and very much on display.
So, by comparison, Jesus is born in a small village a few kilometers from Jerusalem, the center of Israel’s existence at that time. King David and King Solomon both established Jerusalem as the Kingdom’s heart and built the temple there to worship God. Without fanfare or celebration the King of all Kings was not born in the lime light of mankind’s power and authority. How was it missed? With the prophetic word from Micah, the Pharisee’s and rulers of Israel at the time missed the birth of their King in a stable just a half days walk away. Who were they looking for?
Was it expected that the King of the Jews would be born in Jerusalem, despite the prophetic word of Micah? Was the humble settings of his birth what caused him to go un-noticed throughout the land? We can look back and see the events unfolding and see how the prophecies were fulfilled, yet when living amongst them were they blind to his birth. Scriptures tell us of the wise men that visited King Herod and explained the prophecy, which led to the slaughter of hundreds (perhaps thousands) of boys under the age of 2 in the city of Bethlehem. He seemed to recognize the power and authority as a risk to his own throne and reacted in such a way to put an end to it. He was looking for an earthly King to come from Bethlehem and was threatened by it. We are told the wise men from the East recognized his prominence at birth, as did the shepherds in and around Bethlehem that night.
So, what are your expectations of Christ’s return? Will you miss it, as you wait patiently? How are you preparing for His return, as prophesied by John in Revelations? I do not know when but I do know He will return and claim His rightful place upon the throne as the King of Kings, to whom every knee will bow. I emphasize the word every, regardless of faith, culture, belief or non-belief – every knee will bow in recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord. Do not let His return come and go without you. Now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for His coming be watchful for the signs are plentiful, and you won’t want to miss it.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Start right here Lord. Change my heart to accept your word as truth and change my mind to accept your truth as the one voice in the wilderness. Help me overcome the tools of the devil that lead to confusion and blindness. Strengthen me to stand strong for Your word and Your promises, that I might be able to share these with others. Patiently, I await your return and live for You while I’m waiting. In Your name we pray – Amen
Heavenly Father,
Start right here Lord. Change my heart to accept your word as truth and change my mind to accept your truth as the one voice in the wilderness. Help me overcome the tools of the devil that lead to confusion and blindness. Strengthen me to stand strong for Your word and Your promises, that I might be able to share these with others. Patiently, I await your return and live for You while I’m waiting. In Your name we pray – Amen
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