The Eighth Day of Advent
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2 (NIV)
The backdrop for history’s greatest story was a town named Bethlehem. It was small, lacking notoriety in the eyes of the world. The Message translation describes Bethlehem as “the runt of the litter.” Nevertheless, it was here God brought a Savior to the world.
Why did God choose Bethlehem, an insignificant town in Judea? He didn’t care that Bethlehem was an unequipped city… Its worldly stature was irrelevant; Bethlehem was a small city God knew had potential for something extraordinary.
Are there ever moments you feel like the runt of the world’s litter? You are not alone. God used David, Esther, and Moses (even as a baby), all of whom were undistinguished in comparison to others. He worked through willing hearts to accomplish astounding things. He does not care if you are an unlikely choice like Bethlehem. You can find peace, knowing your willingness will be answered with all the strength and endurance that’s necessary. God’s heart delights in empowering the insignificant to do big things.
Find peace in the midst of a broken world by placing your certainty in the Creator of your life’s story…a God who uses the humble for the extraordinary.
Anna Grace Salter
This week’s Re:Verse passage is Matthew 1:18 – 2:12
