“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.”
Micah 5:2
There have been many great military leaders throughout history, brilliant and courageous people who long ago led their troops in battle. We might think of Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, Dwight D. Eisenhower, or others. Leaders bring hope in the midst of war.
In the days of the prophet Micah, it appeared certain that the city of Jerusalem would be occupied. A siege was imminent. But Bethlehem’s future was different, according to prophecy. Out of that lowly town would come the Ruler of all rulers, the King of kings, the giver of eternal hope in the midst of humankind’s battle against sin.
The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.” To me that brings to mind warm thoughts of a local bakery. It doesn’t suggest victory, especially not in a military sense. But God in His divine plans designed that the Savior of the world, His Son who would call Himself the Bread of Life, would enter the world in Bethlehem, the “house of bread.”
More than a military leader, Jesus would be our Bread of Life, our Victor over Satan, our hope of salvation.
In the days of the prophet Micah, it appeared certain that the city of Jerusalem would be occupied. A siege was imminent. But Bethlehem’s future was different, according to prophecy. Out of that lowly town would come the Ruler of all rulers, the King of kings, the giver of eternal hope in the midst of humankind’s battle against sin.
The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.” To me that brings to mind warm thoughts of a local bakery. It doesn’t suggest victory, especially not in a military sense. But God in His divine plans designed that the Savior of the world, His Son who would call Himself the Bread of Life, would enter the world in Bethlehem, the “house of bread.”
More than a military leader, Jesus would be our Bread of Life, our Victor over Satan, our hope of salvation.
Scripture Focus
Micah 5:1-5
Insight
“O little town of Bethlehem” — There our Savior’s birth changed history and changed our hearts forever.
Bible In A Year
- Hosea 4-6
- Proverbs 12
- James 4-5
