God chose a small town for the greatest birth in history.
“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.”Micah 5:2 (KJV)
What does “Bethlehem” mean in Micah 5:2?
Bethlehem Ephratah names a small town near Jerusalem. The phrase thousands of Judah refers to the clans of the tribe, and Bethlehem was among the smallest.
Going deeper
Micah spoke about seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, and he named the place. When wise men later asked where the king of the Jews would be born, the religious scholars of the day turned to this verse. God did not choose a capital or a palace. He chose a small town, and He said that from it would come a ruler for all Israel. That is how God often works.
This is a pattern in the way God works. He often begins with what is small and overlooked, and He does not need our size to accomplish His purposes. If you feel small this Advent, in your influence, your abilities, or your place, this verse is for you. The size of the place did not limit the greatness of the One who came from it. Offer what you have, however small it seems, and trust Him to use it.
Reflect
Where do you feel small, and what would it mean to offer that place to God?
Pray
Father, You use what is small to do what is great. Take what I have to offer and use it for Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
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