Micah 5.1-6
God works through the events of history to accomplish His purpose, His sovereign design. Nothing happens by mere “coincidence,” as every detail is intentionally prescribed by God. Micah prophesied impending judgment on the nation of Judah because of their persistent, negligent failure to follow the Lord and their determined wicked rebellion in following false gods. Micah also gave Israel hope, prophesying that in some undisclosed day Judah would again have a righteous king and God’s people would know peace. “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). The prophet of God spoke, and hope was given.
The angel spoke to Mary, in Nazareth, that she would give birth to Jesus. Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled through the God-ordained mandate of an ungodly ruler. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered… and all went to be registered each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee… to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem” (Luke 2.1-4). Joseph took about a 90-mile journey with Mary, who was ready to deliver her firstborn child, Jesus. There was no other option for travel; no one could take their place. Though the journey was long and tiring, they arrived in Bethlehem at just the right time. Prophecy spoken over 700 years earlier was fulfilled; God’s design was evidenced without flaw. Jesus, the righteous King was born. Now, we rejoice knowing he came to give us the greatest gift – redemption, freedom from the bondage of sin and rightly deserved judgement, and now the anticipation of eternity in His glorious presence. As we rejoice in the birth of Jesus and His gift of salvation, may we also take joy, knowing God is still working, orchestrating the details of our lives for His glory.
Rejoicing in God’s fulfilled Word – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 