- 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 – While it can be difficult at times to know what time period a prophet was taking about, whether the last days or in the time he was living in or even some other time future, this verse is easy to determine especially with the Christmas season upon us. Micah was prophesying the future coming of the Messiah and He was to come from the little town of Bethlehem. The name of Bethlehem meant “House of Bread,” and our Bread of Life was born in House of Bread. Yet what about that difficult to read word “Ephrathah?” It means “Fruitful” or “Abundance.” What a beautiful prophecy to be shared, that out of that little town would come the abundance of the Bread of Life that our souls longed for. Jesus, the One who is the source of our fruitfulness in this life and the One that satisfies our every longing, was to be born. For us today we aren’t looking forward to the fulfillment of this prophecy but looking back at its fulfillment. Let us cherish the good news that out of the House of Bread came the Bread of Life. And it came not in sparse amounts that only a few may take part it but came in fruitful abundance that any and all who come can have life to the full. Jesus, the ruler of not only Israel but the world, who has been here since before the beginning of time, has fulfilled what was said of Him. He now stands offering all the abundance of His life. If that abundance is something you’ve already taken hold of, celebrate that this Christmas. If though you haven’t yet taken hold of it, know Jesus is available at this very moment for you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3307
- And in that day, declares the Lord, I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots… Micah 5:10 – Be sure to understand the reason behind why God is removing these things and the things within the verses to follow. This is not just some punishment on them, but God is removing all the things that His people were trusting in other than Him. He wants them to see that the only thing one needs to trust in is God because He is more than enough. You as well need to hear and be reminded of this; we all do. God is enough by Himself to help you and satisfy you. When we begin trust in the assortment of other things our world offers us is when we get into the mess we see inside our passage. Today look for some things you have been leaning on that really shouldn’t carry your trust. As we move away from those things remember you won’t be left without, you’ll just be stepping back into leaning on who really can take care of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 666
- 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. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. Micah 5:4-5a – Understand this verse is a prophecy looking forward to the coming of Jesus. When Jesus comes He’ll stand and remain standing, no one will dethrone Him. And when Jesus comes He is going to guide and care for His people as a good shepherd would. When Jesus comes He would bless them with security and He would be their security. When Jesus would come He would be their peace in a season of life where peace was distant. This would have been such a message of hope for the true people of God who were existing in such unrest. For us today, understand Jesus has already come. He’s on the throne today and is shepherding His people as you read this. He is today keeping His people secure and is being their source of peace. Know you don’t have to wait and look forward for all this like the people in our passage. Jesus is here. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and find the help, salvation, and peace you need. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2097
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