2013 Advent Devotions from the Lutheran Hour Ministries – "KING
DAVID'S LITTLE TOWN - Saturday, 4 January 2014 - Eleventh Day of Christmas"
Read Luke The Birth of Jesus
2: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that
all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was
taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to
be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the
house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was
engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came
for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no
place for them in the inn. TEXT: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little
to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to
be Ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Micah
5:2).
The little town of Bethlehem didn't have many claims to fame.
Oh, there was the seventh son of a man named Jesse who watched over his
family's flocks. One day his father sent him to take provisions to his older
brothers who were serving in Israel's army. While at the camp he heard the
taunting of the giant Goliath and volunteered to go fight him. That was the
beginning of David's rise to fame and the kingship.
That was Bethlehem's one claim to fame (unless you count it as
the place where Jacob's beloved wife Rachel died). But the prophet Micah
announced the little town would see another of its sons rise to greatness and
kingship. And here in the manger lies God's promised Savior-King David's
Son-the great Ruler who had come to fulfill God's righteous plan.
Micah mentions something extremely important about David's great
Descendant-something that we've seen over and over again in John's words at the
beginning of his Gospel. John had said, "In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us." Micah says the Son of David's coming forth was from of
old, even from ancient days.
Once again that theme is repeated: Jesus Christ will be the
great King, defending and delivering His people from all their enemies, and
granting them a place of peace that will last eternally.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son
Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Give us firm reliance and confidence that we
will live in peace with You forever. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
-------
Mail:
Lutheran Hour Ministries
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141 United States
Telephone: (800)876-9880
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment