The Humblest of Beginnings
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. (Micah 5:2), (Matthew 2:1-6), Luke 2:1-20
As Christmas approaches, let's begin to take a look at what some true prophets had to say about the coming Messiah and see how the prophecies of God were fulfilled in Jesus. Let's start seven hundred years before Jesus was born. About this time, the prophet Micah foretold that the King of Israel would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem in Judah. The smallest town. The least of the tribes. The most obscure place in the world. Why would God choose such humble beginnings for the One who would be King of Kings?
Think about all the descriptive words that could be attached to Jesus - words that would intimidate the majority of people if they were used to describe an earthly king. Important. Influential. Powerful. Strong. Authoritative. Forceful. Almighty. Omnipotent. Supreme. Commanding. Now think about how you would feel approaching such a person. Would you be intimidated? Now think about all the words that you would use to describe someone whom you feel is approachable – possibly your best friend? Kind. Sympathetic. Empathetic. Compassionate. Humane. Benevolent. Good. Gentle. Friendly. Sensitive. Supportive. Understanding.
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So, who is more approachable – the president of your company or the janitor? Who do you feel more comfortable with - your friends or movie stars? With whom would you be more likely to share confidences - a Supreme Court Justice or one of your co-workers? When you use the words above to describe these people, to whom do each apply?
Jesus is approachable, you know. For you. For me. For every person who has ever lived or who will ever live. Because He began His life in the humblest of circumstances and lived His life as the humblest of men, He knows what you are feeling. He understands what's hurting you. He can relate to what you're talking to Him about. He wants you to tell Him all your secrets, share all your joys and your despair, your hopes and fears – everything with Him.
Perhaps that is why He had the humblest of beginnings – so that you and I would not be afraid to approach Him.
From Newsong Ministries
Newsong6@bellsouth.net
Used with permission.
