Bethlehem Ephrathah . . . one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. —Micah 5:2
Centuries ahead of time, God spoke these words about His Son, the Messiah. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, in the southern part of Israel. But Mary and Joseph didn’t live in Bethlehem; they lived in Galilee, in the town of Nazareth, north of Israel.
Problem? Not for a sovereign God. He simply acted through the tyrannical Caesar Augustus and led him to order an edict that would force Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem at the time when she would be delivering her baby.
That’s the kind of God we serve! He’s always orchestrating the events of this world, including those in your life, to accomplish His holy, eternal purposes. Whenever you feel as though life is out of control, recall the contrast between a powerful leader and two nobodies, completely subject to whatever orders this faraway ruler decided to give.
Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. You will watch when the wicked are destroyed. (Psalm 37:34)
Make it Personal
Spend time in prayer, surrendering your life fully to the authority of God’s Word, knowing He will bring His promises to complete fruition.