December 9, 2021

“‘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 be the shepherd of my people Israel.'”  Matthew 2:6 (NIV)

It was a small insignificant town.  Not much to it.  It was almost like a suburb of the larger more important city of Jerusalem.  Just five miles outside of the temple city.

What was its claim to fame?  Well, before the birth of this little baby, it was where mighty King David was from.  It was where he had lived.  It was where David had been anointed King by Samuel years before taking the throne.  Not bad for a little town.  This little town was so identified with its most famous inhabitant that it was even called, “City of David.” 

But that was not what God had chosen this little town to be remembered for.  Bethlehem was going to become something much bigger than that.  From Bethlehem was coming a special King.  A king that would be known as the “Good Shepherd!”  A King that would redeem the people of Israel.  A King that would be the Savior of the World.  A King that would destroy the Kingdom of Darkness and defeat Death by His resurrection.

Bethlehem was becoming the most famous birthplace that would ever exist in all of history.  The birthplace of the baby that Split time.  So as you watch the Christmas shows and see the thousands of people who journey to Bethlehem on Christmas eve to celebrate the birth of this little baby, be reminded of the changing power of Christ.

Just imagine what He wants to do with your life when you grant Him Lordship of the Kingdom of your heart.  And realize that, “you are by no means least.”