The Messiah of Bethlehem

December 18

“But you, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though you are little
among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of you shall come forth to me
the one to be Ruler in Israel,
whose goings forth are from of old,
from everlasting.”
Micah 5:2

Let’s break this down a bit. Someone will proceed from Bethlehem and he will be the ruler of Israel. At first glance, this could be King David. But no, this is someone greater than David. This One has existed “from of old, from everlasting,” he is eternal, this is the Messiah. He was born in Bethlehem, and will return to Israel to be the King, the ruler of the nation of Israel, and of the whole world.

“He will be great, and will be called
the Son of the Highest;
and the Lord God will give him
the Throne of his father David.
And he will reign over the house of Jacob
forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1:32-33

When this promise was given to Mary, there was no Throne of David, Israel was under Roman occupation and rule. So this prophecy is yet future and foresees a time of restoration of the Kingdom of Israel, with the Messiah, son of Mary, ruling upon this Throne.

And of HIS Kingdom, truly there will be no end.