But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. — Micah 5:2
Once, I was doing a Bible study, and I remember doing an internet search on the town of Bethlehem. I was looking to find some more recent news and events, but I came across something interesting. As I did my search, there were numerous other towns called Bethlehem that came up in the search results.
I found Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and several others. I had to be more specific in my search about which Bethlehem since it was just one of so many. When I got specific about which Bethlehem, I found the information that I was looking for with dozens of websites coming up.
Long before the birth of Jesus, Micah wrote about the plan God had for Bethlehem. It wasn’t for any other Bethlehem, this one specifically. But the words after the specific name catch my attention. The Bible reads, “Little among the thousands of Judah.”
Bethlehem was never a major city. Instead, it was a support city to help protect Jerusalem. Even though it was small, it was essential. Not only was it a support to Jerusalem, it was going to be the birthplace of the Savior of the world. It was a plan specifically for that city, even though it was small among the thousands.
From the events to the very locations where it happens, God has a plan for everything in life. That includes you! While there may be thousands, even millions, of other people in this world, God has a plan and purpose for you.
While we often think of popular and powerful people who accomplish great things, it often comes through the obedience of someone among the thousands. Though we may feel small and insignificant, we are significant to God. Instead of worrying about the thousands around us, let us resolve to live for God and for His purpose.
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