December 12th - Too Small to be Useful?

Reading of Scripture

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans 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." - Micah 5:2

Do you ever feel like you are too insignificant to make a difference? Maybe you've looked at your talents, your resources, or your influence and thought that surely God couldn't use someone like you. Micah's prophecy about Bethlehem reminds us that God often works through what the world considers small and unimportant.

Bethlehem was a tiny village, easily overlooked among the more prominent cities of Judah. Yet God chose this humble place to bring forth the Messiah, the ruler who would shepherd His people. This wasn't the first time Bethlehem had been the setting for God's extraordinary work – it was also the hometown of King David, another shepherd who became a ruler.

The promise that this ruler's origins are "from ancient times" points to something remarkable about Jesus. He wasn't just another human leader taking the throne. He was God himself, stepping into human history at exactly the right moment and in exactly the right place. The small town of Bethlehem became the birthplace of the eternal Son of God.

During this advent season, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's birth, we're reminded that God's ways often surprise us. He doesn't need impressive credentials, powerful connections, or perfect circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Instead, He delights in working through the small, the humble, and the unexpected to reveal His glory.

Further Reading:

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." - Luke 2:6-9

Ask the Following Questions:

1. What are some areas in your life where you feel too small or inadequate? How does Bethlehem's story encourage you?

2. Why do you think God often chooses to work through unlikely people and places? What does this tell us about His character?

3. As we prepare for Christmas, how can we cultivate the kind of humble spirit that allows God to work through us, regardless of our perceived importance or ability?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing Bethlehem, a small and humble place, to bring forth our Savior. Help us remember that you can use anyone and anything for your glory. Give us the humility to be used by you, no matter how insignificant we may feel. During this advent season, open our eyes to see your work in unexpected places and people. Help us to trust in your perfect plan, even when it doesn't match our expectations. In Jesus' name, Amen.