Bible Pathways - Sept. 25, 2006

In Today's Scripture Reading:

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

Except for David, all the 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 (Micah 5:2). This proclaims the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer King Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and suffer for the sins of the world if He had a sinful nature like everyone else. Because of this, Jesus the Son of God, was 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 Ghost (Spirit) shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing (Holy One) who shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:31-35).

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 the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32-33; 2:4-6).

Word Studies:

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

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ezell Rosborough and in honor of Joshua Belisle's birthday · Staff: Mike Moore Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Costello (IL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) Country: Mauritania (3 million) in western Africa Major language: Hasaniya Arabic Islamic state with no mission work allowed 99+% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer continually and depend on His strength (I Chronicles 16:11).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 103:13