But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2
“Bethlehem may have been young among the clans of Judah, but was certainly “small” in physical and social stature, and hence insignificant for leadership in government and prowess in war. Although the word is not used in 1 Samuel 16, where David, Jesse’s youngest son, is unexpectedly chosen before his elders, the theme is the same. Micah probably intends to note a striking coincidence between David’s lowly place of birth and his social position, a coincidence that matches Messiah’s career. Only divine intervention can account for the transformation of David and the Messiah into greatness.”
Bruce Waltke in A Commentary on Micah (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007) 268.
Consider the generosity of God at work in this prophecy linked to the birth of Jesus Christ. The birth of the Messiah will not come from a mighty clan, but rather, a lowly one.
Have you ever felt insignificant? Perhaps your physical or social stature or your place of origin has led you to believe you won’t amount to much of anything. This is precisely where the generosity of “divine intervention” comes into view.
Though David was the least of his family, God chose him to lead His people. God transformed a proverbial nobody into greatness. Likewise the Christ would rise up from insignificance, He would come from a tiny town, Bethlehem. And because God is so generous, He let everyone know this would happen 700 years in advance.
What’s this mean for you and me this Advent?
If we ever find ourselves in lowly places, remember that God has done His best work there. It’s called divine intervention. Wait on Him to show up, even if it feels like 700 years. Just wait, you’ll see!
Learning to wait is what the first week of Advent is all about.