Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year 2016 | страница 22

Sunday—December 11th

A Branch of David’s Family
Micah 5:2-4
The Lord was always doing things with the small, the insignificant, the unqualified. Every time
he did so, he showed his power, his grace, and his love.
Sarah’s womb was useless; Moses couldn’t speak good; David was the least of the brothers
from an average family, from a nondescript town – yet the Lord used them all to accomplish
his will and advance his plan of salvation. In doing so, he brought comfort to his people. His use
of the small, insignificant, and unqualified brought glory to His name and strength to His
promise.
God says: “Little Bethlehem, you had a moment in the sun when Israel’s great king was
anointed within you, but the day is coming when David’s greater Son will be born within your
gates. As is fitting, he will come in meekness, but his power will far surpass that of the son of
Jesse. He will rule for all believers and the foundations of his authority extend from eternity to
eternity. Like David, he will be a shepherd king, full of tender love and concern for each
member of his flock and also full of great power to guard and protect. With him you will live in
safety and security. He will defeat your true enemies of sin and death and settle you in a peace
of body and soul that will last forever.”
Through the prophet Micah God made a promise to Little Bethlehem and to all the small,
insignificant, unqualified sinners whom he would lead to cry out, “Lord, Save us!” in repentant
faith.
God kept his promise to Bethlehem (as he kept his promise to you and your family) when he
sent his Son to be born for you and to you. That Son is the shepherd king who laid down his
life to rescue you from the threatening danger of your sins, from death, and from the power of
the devil. Rejoice, for in Jesus God keeps his promises.

PRAYER:
Lord God, all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works come from you. Give to us, your
servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your
commandments. Defend us also from the fear of our enemies that we may live in peace and
quietness, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
ACTIVITY:
Try to remember other small, insignificant, unqualified people or things that God has used to
accomplish great things for us. Give thanks for them and recognize that he also uses us fragile
clay jars to hold and share the good news of Jesus.

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