Today's Verse: Matthew 2:6

Saturday, December 20, 2003

[As the prophet Micah has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."
— Matthew 2:6
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem was no accident. The Almighty God had foretold this many years earlier through his prophet Micah. Even Herod's religious lackeys could determine that the Messiah was to be born in the quaint old city of David. The human birth of the promised Messiah would occur in the city of Israel's great King, poet, and shepherd, Bethlehem. This was God's plan, even though the town was otherwise of little significance or size. Jesus being born in Bethlehem is also a reminder that God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to bless and preserve his people and bring his Messiah.

My Prayer...

Loving God, I have a hard time trying to complete my plans and fulfill all my promises. This makes the unfolding of your plans as foretold throughout the winding story of the Old Testament, so amazing to me. You accomplished what you promised a thousand years earlier through the lives of thousands of people, involving many countries, and through the intrigues of countless world leaders! So, please use your Spirit to remind me during my soul's darker moments that you are going to fulfill your promises and bring your deliverance in your time. Please give me more patience as I seek to wait faithfully and to live courageously for your salvation to be fully revealed. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

16 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 2:4-6
Devo: Today's Verse
"When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in..."
Out of Judea
Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 -- ...for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.
Bethlehem
Article by Jamie Shell & Brent Nidiffer
Who would want to be born here? Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a grimy, corrupt little town not known for anything important.
An Outsider's Story
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, You just have to love the apostle Levi! You may know him better as Matthew since that is the name of the first gospel in your New..."
See All 16 Related Resources about Matthew 2:6

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:6 — [As the prophet Micah has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, December 20, 2003

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 24:4
"Outward practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'May Your Glory Shine!' (Ps. 57:5)
"Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Making My Grace for All Clear'
"Dear Child of God, As I have shared with you before, I want all people saved and brought into My family of grace. I don't want any distinctions to..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Longfellow:
"Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse