Psalm 79
Micah 5:1-5a
Luke 21:34-38
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. Micah 5:2
This is one of the great prophesies that predicted Jesus birth in Bethlehem. A ruler of Israel will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus is that great ruler--King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Picture those wise men traveling along following the star to Israel...to Jerusalem where they went to the palace of KIng Herod looking for the King of the Jews.
- Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise mean class from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" "In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote: 'And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' Matthew 2:1-6
A ruler who was a shepherd. David was a shepherd who became a ruler, a King of Israel. (See 1 Samuel 16 & 17 and 1 Chronicles 11) What other rulers were shepherds? Our Lord and King, Jesus was humbly born--the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. When He was born HIs mother wrapped Him in swaddling cloths...just as the custom for a sacrificial lamb. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about shepherds and told them..."I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." John 10:11. Jesus is our shepherd--spiritually. He cares for us--like only a shepherd can--protecting, guiding, rescuing, nurturing and providing for us. I feel honored to worship a King who knows me-know my thoughts and plans-jut like He know Solomon's heart.
"And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9.
A Shepherd and a King knows your heart. Are you looking for Him?
Prayer~ Lord Jesus--know my heart--search me and know my thoughts. May each breath I take and each thought I have bring You honor and glory--during this Advent time and always.
Daily Bible Reading ~ 2 Corinthians 10-13
Advent Random Act of Kindness ~ Collect coats for a local shelter.
© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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