FULFILLED PROPHESY
BETHLEHEM
Read Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:2
Joseph also went up… to the
city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and
lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with
child. Luke 2:4-5 NKJV
* * *
Mary was in the last stages of her
pregnancy when something very distressing happened. The ruler of Rome declared
that a census be taken, forcing everyone to go to the city of their birth to
register. Hardship or not, they had to comply with this order.
Joseph must have been deeply
concerned about his wife during the trip to Bethlehem. He probably did not
consider at the time that prophesy was being fulfilled. Over 700 years before,
the prophet Micah predicted that the promised Messiah would be born in
Bethlehem.
* * *
Life is not always convenient or
comfortable - sometimes circumstances may be overwhelming. Lord, give us peace
in those times, knowing that You are a God who cares and watches over us. Help
us to remember that all things work together for good to those who love You
and are called according to Your purpose. (Romans 8:28)
* * *
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come
forth to me the one to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old,
from everlasting." Micah 5:2 NKJV