Bible Pathways - September 25, 2005

September 25

Read Micah 1

In Today's Reading:

Impending judgment against Israel and Judah; future deliverance of a remnant; birth of Christ foretold; Lord's judgment and mercy

Although David was born in Bethlehem (I Samuel 20:6), all the following kings of Judah were born in Jerusalem — the City of God. But, 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah was led to prophesy: Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (eternity) (Micah 5:2)

At the God-appointed time, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. . . . Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (Luke 2:1,4). As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to go to David's hometown of Bethlehem to register. In issuing his command from Rome, Caesar could only have thought of his own kingdom. However, God used the heathen emperor's authority to fulfill Micah's prophecy.

The most significant statement of Micah's prophecy is: Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. This proclaims the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer King Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and died for the sins of the world if He had inherited a sinful nature from Adam like everyone else. It was necessary that Jesus the Son of God be born of the Virgin Mary without a human father.

Therefore, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary: Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest . . . and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel (Gabriel), How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:31-35). Consequently, Jesus had the human nature of His mother and the sinless, divine nature of His Father

As descendants of Adam, we all have inherited his sinful nature since by one man's (Adam's) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One (Jesus) shall many be made righteous (Romans 5:19).

Christ Revealed:

As the Ruler in Israel (Micah 5:2) who was to be born in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem as the Son of the Highest: and . . . of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33; 2:4-6).

Word Studies:

1:16 Make thee bald, and poll thee = Shave your head as a sign of sorrow; 2:5 none that shall cast a cord by lot = no one is to determine boundaries by lot; 2:7 straitened = limited; 2:13 The Breaker refers here to Messiah; 6:9 hear ye the rod = obey the rod, the instrument of God's coming judgment.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Costello (IL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) · Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America · Major languages: Spanish and Guarani · Religious freedom · 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask God to show you His ways (Exodus 33:13).