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2 “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.” 3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be our peace. (Micah 5:2-5a NIV)
Dear Friend, A most wonderful of Wednesdays be yours today! You deserve it! You were made for this special day! All the joys and blessings that are coming to you were prepared with love from God for you! Also, if you're feeling a bit weak or unprepared because of the seemingly overwhelming nature of the challenges you are facing, God is with you and guess what? God is bigger than all the worries and cares you think you are facing! And God always wins! Let this be a day of worshipful prayer and work for the Lord.
Today's passage reminded me of my birth town, Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas. This small town is located about forty (40) miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. It is the county seat of Kleberg County, and it is home to Texas A & M University of Kingsville; the US Naval Base of Kingsville, and the world famoy King Ranch. The population of Kingville was always small, averaging about 12-14,000 during the years of my birth until 1965 when we left Kingsville, to Houston, Texas. There was no comparison then and even worse now. It was my home and I have many fond memories from living there.
This passage shares with us what the prophet Micah shared with us about this town and what it would come to mean in religious history. Bet Lehem, the name in Hebrew, translates to "House of Bread". This is quite fitting given the area's agricultural background and importance in producing grain and other crops. We should also know that this was also the birthplace of King David. The prophert was referring to a humble child was born to a virgin mother, fulfilling a prophecy given centuries before. Micah 5:2-5 reminds us of this incredible truth: God's greatest gift, His own Son, would come in the most unexpected way. Born not in a palace, but in a humble manger, this Savior was destined not just for the people of Israel, but for all nations. His birth would mark the beginning of a reign of peace and justice, not through power, but through humble, sacrificial love.
Micah’s prophecy offers us a powerful vision of this King who would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem to shepherd His people with the strength and majesty of God Himself. It speaks of His ability to bring peace, not through military might or political dominance, but through the quiet strength of a loving shepherd who cares for His flock. It is a reminder that God’s ways are often contrary to our expectations. While we may look for power, influence, and grandeur, He comes in the unexpected, humble form of a child, a ruler whose greatness would extend to the ends of the earth.
This passage also speaks of the time between His first coming and His second coming. The people of Israel longed for a Messiah who would rescue them from oppression, but they had to wait. Similarly, we now wait in hope for Christ's return, when He will bring ultimate peace and restore all things. This Advent season, we are called to not only remember the humble birth of Jesus, but to live in anticipation of His second coming when He will stand, shepherd His people, and bring lasting peace.
PRAYER: Bread of Heaven, We thank You for the gift of Jesus, who came to us in the quiet, humble town of Bethlehem, bringing peace and hope to a broken world. As we enter this season of Advent, we ask You to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew. Help us to embrace the humility of Christ and to reflect His love and peace to those around us. Stir within us a deep longing for His return, when He will come again to shepherd us and bring lasting peace. In this season of waiting, help us not only to look back at His first coming but also to live in anticipation of His secoming. May our lives be marked by hope, humility, and love. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Is there an area where you need to embrace humility, let go of control, or surrender to His leadership? Seek opportunities to shepherd those around you—whether through a word of encouragement, an act of service, or offering a listening ear. As we wait for Christ’s return, let us be a reflection of the peace and love He came to bring, sharing His light with those who need it most. REMEMBER! It's not the size of the city where you live or where you're from; it's the size of your faith in the One Who is bigger and stronger than all things!
I love you and I thank God for you! Let's win the world for Jesus!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
