Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthSample

## Day 13 – Micah’s Hope This verse teaches us several things about the coming Messiah. First, this verse clearly speaks that the future ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah. Bethlehem was considered insignificant among the cities of Judah. Even so, it would be famous as the birthplace of the Messiah! Second, the verse says, “whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” This means the coming ruler would be eternal. Jesus ruled from eternity past! In Matthew 2, we learn that the Magi came from the east to worship Jesus. King Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Christ was to be born. They based their answer on Micah 5:2—“In Bethlehem of Judea.” Of all the rulers, Jesus is the one who fulfills these prophecies. Born in Bethlehem Ephrathah and He is eternal “from ancient times". He also said He was the Messiah, the ruler of Israel. The book of Micah contains both judgment and hope. The nation would be judged for its evil leaders and idolatry. And the nation would find hope and restoration. Micah 5:2 is the ultimate example of hope and restoration! Micah’s message of judgment will find its ultimate restoration through Jesus, the Messiah it predicted over 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Do you come from humble beginnings? Maybe you grew up in poverty or in a difficult family situation. When people ask where you’re from or about your past, do you hesitate to tell them? Perhaps the people of Bethlehem felt the same way. Remember that God used a lowly place like Bethlehem to bring baby Jesus into the world. God doesn’t look at a location or a circumstance and think, “That place is too lowly for Me to work.” He looks at your heart. All around the world, there are little villages of people living in poverty. At Compassion International, we tell them, “No matter where you live, you have value in God’s eyes. You are loved by Him.” Do you believe you are loved by God?