From Humble Beginnings: The Majesty of the Messiah

Devotional

Day 1: Humble Beginnings, Divine Purpose

The prophecy in Micah 5:2 highlights the humble origins of the Messiah, coming from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. This underscores the theme that God often chooses the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His grand purposes, reminding us that our significance is not in our status but in God's calling and purpose for our lives. Bethlehem, though small, was chosen as the birthplace of the Messiah, illustrating that God values faithfulness over prominence. This truth encourages us to find our worth not in worldly achievements but in the divine purpose God has for each of us. [00:18]

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel insignificant or overlooked? How can you seek God's purpose and calling in those areas today?

Day 2: The Divine Timing of God's Promises

The period of waiting and struggle for Israel, symbolized by a woman in labor, reflects the reality that God's promises often involve a process of waiting and preparation. This teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that His plans are unfolding even in our times of difficulty and uncertainty. Just as Israel awaited the birth of the Messiah, we too must learn to trust in God's perfect timing, even when it seems delayed. This waiting period is not wasted but is a time of preparation and growth. [02:17]

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise or prayer you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you actively trust and prepare during this waiting period?

Day 3: Embracing Diversity in God's Kingdom

The return of the ruler's brothers to Israel signifies a restoration and ingathering, not only of the Jewish people but also of the Gentiles. This inclusion of the Gentiles into God's people highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, inviting us to embrace diversity and unity in Christ. The prophecy in Micah points to a future where all people, regardless of background, are welcomed into God's family. This challenges us to break down barriers and extend love and acceptance to all, reflecting the inclusive heart of God. [06:41]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and celebrate diversity within your community or church today? What steps can you take to foster unity in Christ?

Day 4: The Holistic Peace of God's Salvation

The Messiah's role as a shepherd who brings security and peace emphasizes the holistic nature of God's salvation. Shalom, or peace, is not merely the absence of conflict but the fullness of well-being, reminding us that God's salvation encompasses every aspect of our lives, bringing restoration and wholeness. This peace is a gift from God that transforms our hearts and lives, offering us security and rest in His presence. It calls us to live in harmony with God, others, and ourselves. [08:13]

"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever." (Isaiah 32:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's peace and restoration? How can you invite His holistic peace into those areas today?

Day 5: Participating in God's Global Mission

The prophecy points to the global majesty of the God-man, Jesus Christ, whose reign extends to the ends of the earth. This global vision challenges us to participate in God's mission, sharing the good news of Christ's kingdom and working towards His purposes in our world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His ambassadors, spreading His love and truth to all nations. This mission is not just for a select few but for every believer, inviting us to engage in God's work both locally and globally. [09:59]

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can participate in God's global mission today? How can you share the love and truth of Christ in your immediate context?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the profound prophecy found in Micah 5:2, exploring its Old Testament context and its New Testament fulfillment. The passage speaks of Bethlehem Ephrathah, a seemingly insignificant town, from which a ruler in Israel will emerge. This ruler's origins are described as being "from of old, from ancient days," pointing to the eternal nature of the coming Messiah. The prophecy foretells a period of waiting and struggle for Israel, symbolized by a woman in labor, until the birth of this ruler. This waiting period reflects Israel's embattled condition, as they endure siege and shame, awaiting their deliverance.

The prophecy also speaks of a time when the rest of the ruler's brothers will return to the people of Israel. This signifies a restoration and ingathering, not only of the Jewish people but also of the Gentiles, as seen in the New Testament. The Messiah will stand victorious, shepherding His flock in the strength and majesty of the Lord, bringing security and peace. This peace, or Shalom, is more than the absence of conflict; it is the fullness of well-being, a holistic restoration.

The prophecy points to the global majesty of the God-man, Jesus Christ, who brings security and peace for the glory of God. This ruler, who is both dependent on the Lord and shares in His majesty, embodies the divine and human natures of Christ. His reign will extend to the ends of the earth, leaving no room for rebellion, and His coming is for the glory of God, reflecting His majesty and fulfilling His purposes.

Key Takeaways

1. The prophecy in Micah 5:2 highlights the humble origins of the Messiah, coming from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. This underscores the theme that God often chooses the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His grand purposes, reminding us that our significance is not in our status but in God's calling and purpose for our lives. [00:18]
2. The period of waiting and struggle for Israel, symbolized by a woman in labor, reflects the reality that God's promises often involve a process of waiting and preparation. This teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that His plans are unfolding even in our times of difficulty and uncertainty. [02:17]
3. The return of the ruler's brothers to Israel signifies a restoration and ingathering, not only of the Jewish people but also of the Gentiles. This inclusion of the Gentiles into God's people highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, inviting us to embrace diversity and unity in Christ. [06:41]
4. The Messiah's role as a shepherd who brings security and peace emphasizes the holistic nature of God's salvation. Shalom, or peace, is not merely the absence of conflict but the fullness of well-being, reminding us that God's salvation encompasses every aspect of our lives, bringing restoration and wholeness. [08:13]
5. The prophecy points to the global majesty of the God-man, Jesus Christ, whose reign extends to the ends of the earth. This global vision challenges us to participate in God's mission, sharing the good news of Christ's kingdom and working towards His purposes in our world. [09:59]
** [09:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Introduction to Micah 5:2
[00:39] - The Prophecy of Bethlehem
[01:03] - The Coming Ruler
[01:25] - Prayer for Understanding
[01:49] - The Waiting Period
[02:44] - Israel's Embattled Condition
[03:27] - The Time Lapse
[04:13] - The Return of the Brothers
[05:16] - Inclusion of the Gentiles
[06:11] - Reversal of Rejection
[07:36] - The Victorious Shepherd
[08:13] - Security and Peace
[09:14] - The Divine and Human Nature of Christ
[09:59] - Global Majesty of the God-Man
[11:33] - Fulfillment in Christmastime

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Micah 5:2-5
- Hosea 1:9-10
- 1 Peter 2:10

---

Observation Questions:

What is the significance of Bethlehem Ephrathah in the prophecy of Micah 5:2, and how does it relate to the humble origins of the Messiah? [00:18]
How does the imagery of a woman in labor in Micah 5:3 symbolize Israel's period of waiting and struggle? [02:17]
In Micah 5:4, what does it mean for the Messiah to "stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord"? [07:36]
How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2-5 describe the global reign and majesty of the Messiah? [09:59]

---

Interpretation Questions:

What does the prophecy's focus on Bethlehem suggest about God's choice of the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His purposes? How does this challenge our understanding of significance and status? [00:18]
How does the period of waiting and struggle for Israel, as described in Micah 5:3, teach us about the nature of God's promises and the importance of patience and trust in His timing? [02:17]
In what ways does the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's people, as seen in 1 Peter 2:10, reflect the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom? [06:41]
How does the concept of Shalom, or peace, in Micah 5:5, expand our understanding of God's salvation as a holistic restoration? [08:13]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant or overlooked. How does the prophecy of Bethlehem encourage you to see your significance in God's calling and purpose rather than in worldly status? [00:18]
Are there areas in your life where you are currently experiencing a period of waiting or struggle? How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing during this season? [02:17]
How can you actively embrace and promote diversity and unity within your community, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom? [06:41]
In what ways can you experience and share the holistic peace of God in your daily life, beyond just the absence of conflict? [08:13]
How can you participate in God's global mission, sharing the good news of Christ's kingdom in your local context? [09:59]
Think of a specific situation where you can act as a shepherd, providing security and peace to those around you. What steps can you take to embody this role? [07:36]
Identify one area in your life where you can depend more on God's strength and majesty. What practical steps can you take to rely on Him more fully? [08:28]

Sermon Clips

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. So last time we focused on the parts of that and their meaning. [00:00:18]

Therefore he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth. Then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. [00:00:39]

Therefore he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor, and I am assuming it means that this one who is coming forth is going to be borne by the woman who is in labor, so one who is in labor to give birth to the one who will come forth to be the ruler. [00:01:49]

Israel is under siege, she's being struck on the cheek in shame, and this rescuer, this King who's coming, who's going to be a ruler and is going to give peace and security to Israel, is evidently a ways off. This prophesies shall come forth. [00:02:57]

The waiting period for the birth of the child in this woman's life corresponds to the waiting period of the besieged and embattled people until the birth and the brothers are returning. Now then, the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. [00:04:41]

Both in Micah and in the other prophets, large parts of Israel had been cut off and dispersed among the nations. And even the people of Israel were sometimes called, I mean even the people of Judah were sometimes called not my people. [00:05:16]

The Lord said, call his name not my people, for you are not my people. He's saying that to his people, and I am not your God. Yet in spite of that judgment, the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea. [00:05:32]

Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. And the idea is this: if God says to his people, you're not my people, they are virtually in the position of Gentiles. [00:06:34]

He will shepherd his flock, implying security and implying peace. He will shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord, and they shall dwell in security, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. [00:07:36]

He does it in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. There is a majestic dimension to this shepherd rule. This is divine-like. So I'm not saying that the divinity of Christ, the God-man double nature of the one person of Jesus is necessarily taught here. [00:08:34]

The prophecy is the global majesty of the God-man. Now I'm filling that in from the New Testament because this is clearly a prophecy of Jesus. Matthew quotes this, and we know from the New Testament how this dependent majestic one turns out. [00:10:12]

The global majesty of the God-man bringing security and peace, and you know peace, Shalom, is more than just the absence of conflict. It's the fullness of well-being, all of it for the glory of God, because when he says from you shall come forth one for me. [00:10:47]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

From Humble Beginnings: The Majesty of the Messiah

Devotional

Day 1: Humble Beginnings, Divine Purpose

Day 2: The Divine Timing of God's Promises

Day 3: Embracing Diversity in God's Kingdom

Day 4: The Holistic Peace of God's Salvation

Day 5: Participating in God's Global Mission

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

From Humble Beginnings: The Majesty of the Messiah

Share