2“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, Micah 5:2-5
When we look at others and make an instant judgement because of some outward appearance, action, or circumstance it is hard to back up give and them a chance. When we look at ourselves and children and measure with the reference of the world we often feel inadequate or lacking. We make the call that someone does not have value or won’t amount to much, we question and worry over our children's abilities and aptitudes.
This passage reminds us that God doesn’t always choose the most likely candidate. He carries out his plans through the most surprising and unremarkable people. It reminds us that He often chooses, by the world’s standard, the weakest, youngest, or smallest like Jacob, Joseph, and David to do great things. The Lord of all chose an unknown girl, a simple carpenter, and a little town called Bethlehem to welcome and care for the Prince of Peace. He sent his son to us as a newborn in lowly human form to deliver his message of love and salvation.
How encouraging to know that the Lord knows and loves us for who we are on the inside. Our value is not based on stature or beauty, our IQ or bank account. What JOY knowing the pressure is off! Then in joy, we can look others, ourselves and our children in the same way.
Father of All, thank you for sending Christ, our savior in such a humble way; a helpless little baby.
Forgive us when we make judgements of ourselves and others with our eyes and not our hearts. Help us when we feel unimportant or inadequate. Help us to see ourselves, our children, and others as you see them: wonderfully made with a purpose and place in your plan and kingdom.
Thank you for showing us a higher standard of seeing as you do. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen