-December 2, 2021-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“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 going forth are from old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
“And when he gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet” (Matthew 2:4-5).
The town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah was very small, but though small and insignificant in the eyes of man, it had a great impact on the world, and still does today. King David, Boaz, Naomi, but greatest of all our Lord Jesus Christ was born there. This little town is where millions of Christians visit still today because it was where Jesus was born. God chose this little town from eternity past to be part of His plan. There is hymn written by Kittie Louise Suffield that says, “Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame; there’s a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus’ name.”
Bethlehem is thought of mostly at this time of year in connection with the birth of Christ. The hymn writer and pastor Phillips Brooks wrote the wonderful words, “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent years go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light: the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” God chose the town and the manger for His Son to be born into this world in such a humble way. Today the smallest town in the world is one we have likely not heard of called Hum, a town of 30 residents located in heart of Istria, in the municipality of Buzet in Croatia.
You may see yourself small and insignificant, but God chose you, saved you, and can use you in His service. You have an important mission, and role in the church. Like Bethlehem, you can have a mighty impact on the world. It may be in your small corner of the world: your church, your city, your community, your neighborhood, your school, your workplace, or your home. You are like one single Christmas light that is shining for Jesus. If that burns out, it is noticeable and greatly missed.
God used a little town to be part of His big plan. His ways and His thoughts are greater than our’s. He is glorified through our weakness, and brings forth His power. Let us never underestimate what God can do through us if we are available and willing. People visit Bethlehem every day of the year.
Have a blessed day being a light for Jesus in the little place where God has called you to serve. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 