Our scripture this morning is Micah 5:2 (RSV).
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
This passage, repeated in Matthew 2:6, indicates how God’s plan for salvation is to be put into action. It is God’s promise to His people that though they have turned from Him they are not forgotten. He will act, in His time and in a way that no one expects.
Throughout history God has consistently chosen the underdog, the one overlooked by the world because of their status or origin. God doesn’t consider these things when He chooses someone as His representative. In 1 Samuel 16:7 we read “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
We need to see ourselves in this choosing of the unexpected. God has a plan for each one of us and calls us to be part of the work to accomplish it. We must realize that this work doesn’t earn us a place in eternity, but rather is our response to the greatest gift ever given – Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Heavenly Father, we don’t always see things the way You do. Help us to look at each other with Your love, recognizing our differences but knowing in Your eyes we are all Your beloved children. Amen.
