Wednesday- Week 2

Birthplace Foretold

Micah 5:2

"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."

Persian nativity by Hossein Behzad (1894 - 1968)

This was a very specific prophecy about how to recognize the Messiah when He came.

What were three specific details of Jesus’ coming stated here?

[That the Messiah would be born from the tribe of Judah;

That He would be born in/near the city of Bethlehem;

That He would be ruler of Israel.]

Some critics argue that Bethlehem-Ephrathah refers to a person, not a place. However, some verses to consider: “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrathah (that is, Bethlehem)." Genesis 35:19 "The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there." Ruth 1:2

What does it mean that His ‘origins are from old, from ancient times.’?

[“Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” Psalm 90:2

“Jesus said unto them, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was,I am.'” John 8:58

"And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.” John 17:5]

Close in Prayer

Jesus has always been here (He is pre-existent), and will always be here (He is eternal). He chose to wrap Himself in flesh and come to earth to provide a way for us to be with Him forever (John 1:14). If you do not believe that, ask Him to reveal that truth to your heart and mind (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7).

Make A Joyful Sound!

Choose a song from Song for Advent- Week 2 or choose your own.

#Bethlehem #BethlehemEphrathah #Ephrathah #AncientofDays