Bible Passage: “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)
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7
Have you ever visited a small town and wondered what its story is? How did it come to be there? Who decided it was a good place to settle down?
Bethlehem is a small town located just south of Jerusalem. According to biblical history, it is mentioned only about 40 times in the Old Testament. It is the burial place of Rachel (Genesis 35:19), the promised territory of Judah (Judges 17:7), and the hometown of King David (1 Samuel 16:1).
After that, it is mentioned only in passing. Nothing extravagant.
That is, until the prophet Micah showed up and said something interesting:
“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).
Then, 400 years of silence.
That’s it.
A small town left to be until the time it was needed to fulfill the biggest plan of all time.
And what did the people of Bethlehem do in the meantime?
They lived their ordinary lives.
Then one day, someone in the area decided to open an inn, not knowing how important their little business would be to the future of the entire world.
When the Roman census was ordered, this little town exploded like a tourist destination in July. And within the swarms of visitors, Micah’s words were being fulfilled through two newly married out-of-towners.
While everyone’s eyes were on Rome, God’s heart was in Bethlehem—a small town with a big purpose.
But what does this have to do with us as Christian men? After all, we don’t live in Bethlehem.
No, we don’t. But just maybe we, too, have a small place in our world where God has a bigger purpose waiting to be revealed. Perhaps it’s in our community, church, neighborhood, business, or even our garage. It could be right under our noses, and we can’t even see it yet.
Whatever it is, God’s big plans often happen in the smallest of places. The question is whether we will be ready when they come to pass.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You use small places for Your big plans. Help me to be the husband, father, neighbor, and friend that You call me to be. Amen.
Reflection: What is one small area of your life that you want to see God do big things with? Pray about it and ask Him to open up opportunities for you.
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