The Promised King

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 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.”*


What were you doing this time last year? If you are like me you probably have no idea. Many can remember what they were doing especially if it involved an experience of some sort such as the birth of a child, a wedding, or maybe a funeral. We always remember things that have a major impact on our lives don’t we? The closer we are to an event the more impact it has on us. The human mind is programmed to remember things that cause emotional pain or excitement. We only have to mention 9-1-1 and the majority of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news; unless you happen to be nine years old then you would have to rely on what you are told about it.

Now you can understand why so many people today do not get as excited about Christmas in the same way that Christians do. When the Prophet Micah spoke these words hundreds of years before Christ was born into the world I am sure many of the people in his day had no idea who he was talking about. A king being born would not be a major thing to them but listen carefully about the description given about this King; “His goings forth are from old, from everlasting.” In other words this King comes from an Ancient Ancestry, the Ancient of Days as a matter of fact.

Jesus is that King of course but for many people today Jesus does not arouse any interest. He is a historical figure to many of them and celebrating His birth is more about parties and presents than it is about sacrifice and redemption; because we are two thousand years down the road. Had any of us been standing at the Cross and gazing upon the Man that healed the sick, caused the blind to see, and raised the dead, watching Him die a painful death for no apparent reason, we would remember Him differently. This Christmas season let’s help others to know and experience Him as we do.

Father, I come to You with Jesus; thanks for the memories and the promises! Amen.

In Christ: Br Mike <>< (brmike@ntelos.net)

* The New King James Version. 1982 (Micah 5:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.