Pastor Steven Pace
““But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 NASB 95
It is not uncommon to ask a new acquaintance where they were born. Knowing where someone is born can often help you understand more about a person. Many historical figures have birthplaces that hold significance. For example, Vinci is the birthplace of the renowned Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci. His birthplace is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The birthplace of Jesus is no different in its significance.
In Matthew 2:6, we learn that Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah. The place of Jesus’ birth was significant for several reasons, one of which is the fulfillment of Micah 5:2. The prophet Micah told the specific location of the birth of the Messiah centuries beforehand (approximately 700 B.C.). The prophecy is so specific that he uses Bethlehem “Ephrathah” to distinguish between two “Bethlehems” that existed. Bethlehem Ephrathah was a very small town about five miles south of Jerusalem. It is the place where we find the story of Ruth (Ruth 1:1, 4:11) as well as the birthplace of King David (1 Samuel 16:1, 4). It was certainly not a place we would think that God’s Son would be born.
“The most insignificant place would bring forth the most significant person.” (1)
It is interesting to note that the Messiah being born in Bethlehem of Ephrathah (Judea) was a common understanding in the days of Jesus. In John 7:42, we read that despite various opinions about Jesus, one thing that was agreed upon was that “the Christ comes from Bethlehem, the village of David.”
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NASB 95
Christmas is a good time to remember that many prophecies were literally fulfilled related to the birth of Jesus. Such is the case with Micah 5:2. Just like other prophecies in the Bible, we can learn many important truths from studying them.
Jesus’ birthplace reminds us that He is the Son of David as well as the great King prophesied centuries beforehand. We can always trust God’s Word to be true and that it will be fulfilled with exact precision. Also, it reminds us that the Lord’s ways are much different than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Far away from the big city of Jerusalem, a small insignificant place would bring forth the Savior of the world.
“We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14 NASB 95
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
Decatur Bible Church
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(1) Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible, Micah.
Holiday Services at Decatur Bible Church
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Christmas Service at 11:00am
Tuesday, Deccember 24, 2024
Christmas Eve Service at 6:00pm
Sunday, December 29, 2024
New Year’s Service at 11:00am
Decatur Bible Church
80797 M-51, Decatur, MI 49045
decaturbible.org
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