Called To Be a 'Bethlehem Ephrathah'
“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 | Matthew 2: 6)
The season is once again around us. Every nook and corner reminds us that the world remembers, knowingly and unknowingly, the historical birth of Christ Jesus. The birth of Jesus was a historical record that revolutionized human conventional thoughts. His birth was against all the established orders of science and social sciences. The birth of God in human form became the centre of world history.
Something that marvels me is that the birth of Christ Jesus was the fulfilment of prophecies. It was so accurate and significant, that right from the story of 'God in Human Form' began, it was physically real and was the powerful fulfilment of the prophecies. Every single minute that Jesus breathed, walked and spoke on the earth was a moment of checklist ticking of the Old Testament Prophecies about Christ Jesus the long-awaited Messiah.
One of those fulfilments of the prophecies that caught my eyes is the little Bethlehem. The biblical scholarship explains that "Bethlehem did not figure widely in the Jewish messianic hopes" (Michael F. Bird, "Bethlehem"). Thus it is clear that Bethlehem was nowhere near to be in the list of places from where the Messiah was expected to come from by the Jews. In other words, nobody ever cared about Jerusalem. The little Bethlehem had nothing much to offer compared to other greater cities that were in the region. In professional terms, Bethlehem lacked all the human-drafted eligibilities to bring the Messiah into this world. But the prophecies and the plans drafted by God was different.
The prophet Micah, while prophesying about the birth of Messiah, addresses Bethlehem as " Bethlehem Ephrathah" and continues to prophesy that even though you are small, less qualified, not eligible, weaker and less expected out of your people, the ruler over Israel will come from you. A look into the etymology of these Hebrew words will clarify that they are significant than what we thought of. Beth-lehem comes closer to the meaning of the 'house of bread' and Ephrathah draws our attention somewhere closer to 'fruitful.' Is that 'Fruitful House of Bread?'
Today, in this season of celebrating God's arrival in human form, I want to remind you that the Lord is calling you to be a Bethlehem Ephrathah for Him. You may be the least of all. Your name may be the last in the list to expect the greatest power of the Lord from. You may think you are not even equal to stand next to some of the spiritual giants you see around. You may be with the thought of "what can God do out of my life in this season? I am weak, little, neglected, not equal and unable to do things." But my dear loving friend, the Lord looks at you and promises the same today. “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..." God wants you to be fruitful in this season. Give yourself to Him and be ready to bring Him to your surrounding. Spread God's love. Be full of grace, just like how God has been with you. Solve issues and claim the beautiful relationships. Win the hearts of people around you by not being a hero, but by making the others heroes. Give from whatever you have. More than preaching the gospel in these days, you LIVE that gospel. Let people see the Lord in you.
Wherever you are, whatever you are involved with, whichever circumstance you are in, be ready to give that gift called Jesus to your surrounding. You may be the least expected for people to receive the love of Jesus from, but the moment you know that He is born in your heart, let that joy spread in your environment. Out of you, let the saviour be born in this season. Any hatred someone has with you? Let it vanish with a smile of Christmas. Let hatred and pain fly away with the warmth of your good wishes. May you be fruitful wherever you are. God is calling you to be His 'Bethlehem Ephrathah' in this season. May the world see that He is born in you; not just in the gifts that you share, but also in all the fruits that the Holy Spirit has filled you with. May you be such an 'Ephrathah' that fills others' lives with blessings. May God bring the joy of His birth through you.
I pray that this great call God has given all of us be responded in all of our lives in this season of celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus. May the guidance of our Lord Jesus and the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit be with you. Oh little Bethlehem Ephrathah, may you bring the joy of your Saviour's birth into this world in this season of Christmas.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
