Daily Reading // Micah 5:2
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to threw times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Micah 5:2 (NKJV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [Though] you are little among the thousands of Judah, [Yet] out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth [are] from of old, From everlasting.”
Bethlehem is well-known to us today through manger scenes and nativity stories. It was never a big deal from earthly standards.
But there were key people who made this little town world famous.
It started with Jacob’s wife, Rachel. When she died in childbirth she was buried in Bethlehem. This was such an unplanned and unhappy event. Who could’ve known it would be so significant?
Next came Elimelech and Naomi. They lived in Bethlehem, moved away during famine and Naomi moved back after Elimelech’s death. She brought a woman named Ruth with her.
Ruth met Boaz in Bethlehem. They married and lived in Bethlehem. They had a grandson named Jesse. Jesse had a son named David.
David was selected by God as King of Israel. He moved from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. But Bethlehem would always be known as the City of David.
When the Messiah came, just as prophesied, He came to Bethlehem. He came there because of people who made a difference.
Our city of Redmond is a beautiful city with lots going for it. But it’s the people who really matter. Bethlehem also reminds me that I can make a difference in my city. And my little city can impact the world.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, You came to the perfect place of Bethlehem. Through Bethlehem you have changed the whole world. Change the world through Redmond. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> Matthew 2:1-6