December 5th, 2024
“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.”
If there is one theme within the Christmas story that seems to be more distinguished than the rest, it would be the theme of humility. It's not that this theme is ever diminished or downplayed in our Bibles. We are likely familiar with the Old Testament stories in which we do see a variety of humble characters. However, we all understand that those were of course stories of mere human beings. It is refreshing and compelling to read about people rejecting pride and choosing the path of mercy and humility. But, the Christmas narrative is not solely about a human being, it is also about God. And we would never expect that God would choose to display the greatness of His own glory in the most meekest and lowliest of ways. Yet, this is exactly what He chose to do in the coming of His son.
Our passage today is pulled from the prophet Micah and His words to the nation of Israel. For the most part, His writings contain strict warnings and threats of judgment upon the Israelites. He expounds what is to be expected of a Holy God. That He would discipline His people and also fulfill in some dramatic fashion a plan of redemption. But planted within this short book is a prophecy of the town our Saviour would be born in. God appears to be specifically choosing a very small clan within Judah to bring about His promised Messiah. Although, it is not a prominent city by any worldly measure, God had a very good reason for choosing such a place.
Bethlehem was the "city of David", for this is where David grew up and was eventually anointed as King. If your memory serves you well, you might recall that David did not begin his journey as some mighty warrior. When Samuel came to find Israel's next king, Jesse did not even think to offer David as an option. After all 7 older brothers were rejected, Jesse reluctantly told Samuel there is only one other left. He was the youngest and was out in the field tending the sheep. What an odd choice for the Lord of Lords. To set His gaze upon the little town of Bethlehem and search for a young insignificant boy among the sheep. However, this is exactly what God does time and time again.
The Lord has never become carried away by the status and glory of this world. He doesn't need a stage or a grand platform to display the power of His greatness. He takes the little things and the overlooked things and makes them beautiful. He searches for the one not of perfect appearance, but the one who's heart is open to Him (1 Samuel 16:7). This is what looms over the Christmas story. The God of greatness chose to make His dwelling among the marginalized, the sinners, the tax collectors and the weak. He came not for those who feel righteous and good by their own estimation. He simply came to seek and save the lost sheep who were scattered and displaced (Luke 19:10). Bethlehem is a reminder that even in our unworthiness, God will not forsake us nor He will He ever abandon us.
None of us are too far gone or too insignificant for the Lord. Perhaps there have been people, or situations and even churches that have convinced you that there will never be hope for you. Maybe you have compared yourself to others and have settled in your mind that God wants nothing to do with you. Let me remind you today that for every sinner in this world, there is a mighty saviour waiting. And before you even think of making a step in His direction, you must remember that He already came to you. If God could get glory through the little town of Bethlehem, then surely He can receive glory from our broken lives. Christmas reminds us that we were never left to waste in our sinfulness and despair. For just when the prison of darkness closed in on us, the Prince of peace shone His glorious light. And to all the lost prisoners willing to receive His light and believe in His name, He gave them the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Oh what a wonderful gift it is to be called a child of the Most High King.