WEDNESDAY: THE PROPHECY OF THE PURPOSE AND THE PLACE

Dec 7, 2022
2 min read

Lord, help me to comprehend the purpose of Jesus in my life and realize You continue to determine the place where You want me to be.

Matthew 2:4-6

When King Herod had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Micah 5:2)

Herod thought he was being shrewd. He knew the prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and realized the Magi could lead him to the Christ child.

He called the priests together, so everyone could hear the prophecy from a reliable source: The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as God had revealed to the prophet Micah around 700 BC.

While Bethlehem was a small town, it had great significance. It had been the birthplace of King David; Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was a descendent of King David.

The prophecy also contains the purpose of the Messiah: Out of Bethlehem will come a ruler who will shepherd My people, Israel. The Messiah has come to bring correction and order to my life, and He also brings direction, as a shepherd guides his sheep.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: I certainly could use some direction in my life. In John 7:42, the people questioned Jesus’ identity as the Messiah because He resided in Galilee. “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Messiah will come from… Bethlehem?” For those who don’t know Jesus as the Messiah, they haven’t understood the prophecy.

Since Jesus grew up in Nazareth, the people had a hard time connecting Him with His birthplace of Bethlehem. People didn’t travel much in that day and being born in another town ninety miles away was a foreign concept to many.

God revealed to the prophet Micah precisely where His Son would be born. He had everything planned about Jesus’ arrival on earth, down to the last detail. I praise God for planning out the details of my life in the same way.

Lord, I need to trust You more with my life because You already know my future! Please help me to approach this life with more grace, since You already have showered Your grace upon me.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman