Bible Pathway - Sept. 25, 2012

Highlights:

Impending judgment against Israel and Judah; Future deliverance of a remnant; birth of Christ foretold; His kingdom conquest; the great battle.

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).

The birthplace of our Savior was foretold by Micah seven hundred years before Jesus was born. Micah was the only prophet who specifically said that Christ would be born in Behlehem.

Since nineteen of Judah's twenty kings were born in the royal city of Jerusalem, it seemed unlikely that the Messiah-King would be born in the little village of Bethlehem.

All circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus seemed contrary to the fulfillment of this prophecy. Mary, Jesus' mother, and Joseph were living in Nazareth, ninety miles north of Bethlehem. But, because of a decree by Caesar Augustus of Rome concerning taxation, they had to travel to Bethlehem, where the Messiah was born.

God will use any means that is necessary to bring to fruition His plan. He used this decree by the ungodly Caesar to bring this chosen family to the place that was propheied to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. We never have to worry about the Word of God coming up short of its promises. These words are written by men, but inspired by God. It is God that backs up His Word as His infallible Truth. When God says it, it is going to happen. Therefore, we should trust the Word of God above all things. Let it have control of your life. But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him (I John 2:5).

The size of Bethlehem is also significant — little among the thousands of Judah (Micah 5:2). Christ is always born among the “little ones” — in those with hearts humble enough to confess sin and acknowledge Him as Lord (Matt. 18:3). God reaches out to all mankind, even the least. Likewise God commends us when we help the least of them. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me (Matt. 25:40).

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. . . . Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:3,5).

Thought for Today:

True satisfaction can only be found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ Revealed:

As the Ruler in Israel (Mic. 5:2). Jesus will rule not only Israel but the world. She brought forth a man Child, who was to rule all nations (Rev. 12:5).

Word Studies:

1:16 Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children, Shave your head as a sign of sorrow for your children, who shall be taken from you into exile; 2:5 none that shall cast a cord by lot, no one who shall divide inheritances (because there shall be no inheritance to divide — see vs 4); 2:7 straitened, limited; do not My words do good to him that walketh uprightly, this speaks of our Creator, the Spirit of the Lord, and His Word, His perfect Guide to life; 2:13 The Breaker refers here to Messiah; 6:9 hear ye the rod, obey the rod, the instrument of the coming judgment of God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's birthday • Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Doris O. Matsui (CA), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Rep. Jerry F. Costello (IL), Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY), and Sec'y. Robert M. Gates (Dept. of Education) • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to God with your whole heart (Ps. 119:58,145).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:12