Bethlehem,
the place of Jesus’s birth.
It’s a place which is rich in Biblical history.
Israel (Isaac’s son) buried his wife Rachel there.
Genesis 35:19 KJV — And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
One of the men who judged the children of Israel was from Bethlehem.
Judges 12:8 KJV — And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
And one of the most beautiful romance stories in history is set in Bethlehem.
Ruth 1:22 KJV — So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
If you’re unfamiliar with this story, please take the opportunity to read the book of Ruth.
This sets the stage, because a baby boy named Obed was born there.
He’s the grandfather of another baby boy, named David.
Through this boy, God grew a man, a king, and a nation.
Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. Also I will subdue all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you that the Lord will build you a house. And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever.” ’ ”
I Chronicles 17:7-14 NKJV
The Lord spoke through the prophet Micah.
Micah 5:2 KJV — But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Jesus is the Son whose kingdom will never end.
And He is the king of Kings, the lord of Lords.
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV
Let us never forget,
Jesus is a babe no longer.
He is a king.
He’s kingdom is everlasting.
And one day He’s coming back.
Let us come and adore Him!
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for being our Savior. Thank You for giving us Your Word. Thank You for being Lord! Please help us to remember Who you are and what You have done. Please teach us how to honor You in all we do. Thank You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 