Day 19: The Small
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
Micah 5:2
Obscurity and insignificance aren’t wording that naturally spring to mind when discussing Messianic issues. Nonetheless, it was within the lowliest of places the LORD raised up two kings. The town of Bethlehem in Ephrathah, so obscure, it wasn’t mentioned in Micah or Joshua’s catalogue of Judah’s cities of defence. Yet in this insignificant Judean town, God raised up King David. A shepherd boy, eighth in line in the pecking order. The youngest and least of the siblings, called and anointed by the LORD, to lead His people (1 Sam 16). David was forerunning for a much greater and perfect King, that Micah points us to...
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
Micah 5:2
In the same town King David was born, an area almost impossible to locate on satnav, the LORD’s anointed Messiah would come. The humblest of origins bringing forth the promised Saviour. From the glories of heaven to no man’s land. Reigning on high to the back of beyond. Glory and majesty to meagre surroundings. No pomp or five-star treatment. This gave an insight of the meekness of the One who was to come.
The fulfilment of this prophecy recorded by Luke:
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David.”
Luke 2:4
The Creator and Sustainer of all things, now a cell, impossible to see with the naked eye, in a young girl’s womb. Eternally crowned, now a growing foetus. The earth His footstool, now kicking from inside His mother. Birthed in the most modest of circumstances….
“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth."
Luke 2:6
Upholding the entire universe by His powerful Word, now a crying, helpless babe. Totally omnipotent now totally dependent. Once reigning in the throne room now entering sinful humanity surrounded by animal manure.
Power, prestige, prosperity and position are the benchmark of the world. However, God’s economy is upside-down. The eternal Son, born in a basement town. Surrounded by filth and muck. Despised, rejected and crucified in the most humiliating circumstances. Lowliness is the yardstick in God’s economy.
The LORD delights to work through the weakest, through obscurity, through insignificance. He completes His finest labour in the weakest of saints. The astonishing light of Christ shines vastly brighter when our only boast is Him.
“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.”
1 Corinthians 1:27-28
Written by Paul McLoughlan
A Thought to Remember: The LORD performs His best work when we are at our weakest.
A Bit More to Read: Micah 5:1-6; Luke 2:1-5
A Question to Ask: In what areas of our lives do we try to promote self instead of Christ?
A Song to Sing: O Little Town of Bethlehem
A Picture for the kids: Little town