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
O Bethlehem – Micah 5:2 (December 6)
It is interesting to me that when the wisemen followed the star to the find the Christ Child and met with King Herod they told him what the ancient writings said about where the Messiah would be born.
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:3-6
Right Place, Right Time
Jesus was not born in Bethlehem because his parents already lived. God already knew the amazing series of events that would bring Joseph and Mary to this little town to be counted for the census right at the moment when it was time for Jesus to be delivered. They were in the right place at the right time.
I’m sure Mary was not excited about traveling when she was so pregnant. Joseph was probably stressed out at the thought of his wife having to make that journey in her condition. However, sometimes what seems like so much trouble and so inconvenient is actually God directing our steps and getting us to the right place at the right time.
Action Step:
Pray and ask God to direct your steps. Let’s ask Him to show us when we are viewing God’s orchestrations as inconveniences and problems. Take a few moments to think about how you are thinking about the struggles in your life. Ask for God to give you His perspective on your stresses and troubles. Look for what God may be doing in the middle of inconvenience!
Prayer:
Dear God, We can’t see the big picture like You can. Help us to have your perspective as we experience trouble, inconvenience, and stress and cooperate with You in the moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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