The
birthplace of the Messiah was prophesied hundreds of years before the
actual event took place. In this prophecy God is very specific, so we
have no doubt as to the town He is referring to. At the time of Jesus’
birth there were two towns with the name Bethlehem. One was Bethlehem
Ephrathah. This Bethlehem is in Judah. Bethlehem Ephrathah is sometimes
referred to as the city of David, because he was born there. It is also
referred to as Bethlehem of Judea. The other town of Bethlehem at the
time of Jesus’ birth was in Zebulon. Bethelem of Zebulon was close to
Nazareth. In the prophecy we are told it is Bethlehem Ephrathah, in
Judah.
This
is not the first appearance in the scriptures of Bethlehem
Ephrathah. Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, died and was buried on the
road to Bethlehem Ephrathah. Bethlehem is where the love story of Ruth
and Boaz took place. Boaz became Ruth’s kinsman redeemer and husband in
this sleepy little town. They went on to become the great-great
grandparents of King David. As I mentioned previously, King David was
born in Bethlehem, but he wasn’t born a king. He was born to be a
shepherd first and then he would on take his role as king……just like his
descendant after him.
Look at Micah 5:2 again. I don't want you to miss the wording. It is too wonderful!!
"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
God
is making sure there is no misunderstanding as to WHO is coming….”His
goings for are from long ago, from days of eternity.” Or as it says in
the KJV, “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
This is not just a great leader or ruler coming out of Bethlehem. This
is He Who is eternal. ONLY God is eternal!
The
promise of the One to be ruler in Israel coming out of Bethlehem was
made, and then one starry night hundreds of years later……
Joseph
also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the
city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and
family of David……While they were there, the days were completed for her
to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped
Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no
room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4, 6-7
Now
when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the
king, behold wise men came from the east to Jerusalem saying, “Where is
He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east
and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things,
he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered
all the chief priests and scribes of the people together he demanded of
them where Christ should be born. And they said to him, In Bethlehem of
Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet. And thou Bethlehem, in
the land of Judah, art not least among the princes of Judah, for out of
thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew
2:1-6
Hath
not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of
David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was? John 7:42
I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to shout, “THAT'S MY GOD!!!! HOW AWESOME IS HE???!!!!”
Praying the Lord continues to bless each one of you and your families!!
Merry CHRISTmas!!!
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