Today's Verse: Matthew 2:6

Thursday, December 20, 2007

[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."
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

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 Thursday, December 20, 2007

A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile and hearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speak with thee when thou art..."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"By this I know that You favor and delight in me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me."

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.