Ruler Born in Bethlehem

DECEMBER 27

Scripture Reading

Read Micah 5:1-5 and reflect on the passage.

The Christmas season is my favorite. Everyone is merrier, the days feel more magical, and “holiday cheer” brightens the night. I have always highly anticipated Christmas morning, the “best moment” of every year.

So, it comes as no surprise that December 26th has historically been my least favorite day of the year. On that day, houseguests head home, all the radio stations go back to playing regular boring non-Christmas music, and the anticipation gives way to a massive post-holiday emotional letdown.

When my siblings were expecting children, however, my perspective on the anticipation of this season changed. The long wait to meet these newborns certainly didn’t end in a letdown—it gave way to the joy of sharing life with them and watching them change their world. Life was fundamentally different since they arrived, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When God promised Israel a Ruler who would reach the ends of the earth with His rule and reign, He didn’t promise us a one-day event. In Christ’s birth is the promise of ages, an eternal hope, and everlasting life that is renewed day after day after day.

That’s the best news on December 26th, 27th, and beyond!

Questions

How has Christ’s birth fundamentally changed your life?

How can you find ways to live into the daily hope of life with Christ?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that Your birth was not a one-time event, but the beginning of my eternal life with You. Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Katie Borden

No Respect

The NCAA Football Playoffs are here and the semi-final games are two weeks away!

 

In prior years there was a one game playoff with two teams chosen based on their record, poll results and strength of their opposition. Many fans thought the system was skewed towards teams that historically were strong football programs. It was virtually impossible for a very good team from a “no-name” school to play for the championship.

 

Many fans complained that their teams got “no respect” from the voters.

 

Today’s reading is Micah 5:1-5. Micah tells the Israelites that they are about to be attacked (by Assyria) and subjected to other nations (Assyria, Persia, Alexander the Great and Rome). Hard times are coming. Micah also tells them that the Lord will save them through someone born of Bethlehem.

 

“Bethlehem?!” the people must have thought. “Shouldn’t he come from Jerusalem?”

 

Bethlehem was a virtual “no-name” village in Judah, not even in mentioned in Joshua’s map (Josh 15:20-62). Yes, several hundred years ago it was the birthplace of King David, but Bethlehem never capitalized on King David’s fame.  It remained a small, backwater village that got “no respect”.

 

The Israelites were looking for an earthly King for their salvation. Whoever was going to rescue Israel would have to have a large army. They were going to have a strong ground game (infantry) and a solid passing game (spear throwing). Residents of Bethlehem were farmers, not military personnel. They simply couldn’t do those things.

 

Bethlehem got “no respect” from Micah’s audience.

 

Jesus, born in Bethlehem, provided salvation from eternal damnation our sins merit. His was and is a spiritual kingdom.  

 

Jesus, Israel’s savior, came from a “no-name“  village that got “no respect”. In fact, Jesus himself often got “no respect” in life.  

 

We know that ultimately Jesus wins the championship, and he shares his victory crown with us!

 

Then he will get respect!