Today's Verse: Matthew 2:6

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

[As the prophet Micah has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."
— Matthew 2:6
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem was no accident. The Almighty God had foretold this many years earlier through his prophet Micah. Even Herod's religious lackeys could determine that the Messiah was to be born in the quaint old city of David. The human birth of the promised Messiah would occur in the city of Israel's great King, poet, and shepherd, Bethlehem. This was God's plan, even though the town was otherwise of little significance or size. Jesus being born in Bethlehem is also a reminder that God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to bless and preserve his people and bring his Messiah.

My Prayer...

Loving God, I have a hard time trying to complete my plans and fulfill all my promises. This makes the unfolding of your plans as foretold throughout the winding story of the Old Testament, so amazing to me. You accomplished what you promised a thousand years earlier through the lives of thousands of people, involving many countries, and through the intrigues of countless world leaders! So, please use your Spirit to remind me during my soul's darker moments that you are going to fulfill your promises and bring your deliverance in your time. Please give me more patience as I seek to wait faithfully and to live courageously for your salvation to be fully revealed. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

16 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 2:4-6
Devo: Today's Verse
"When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in..."
Out of Judea
Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 -- ...for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.
Bethlehem
Article by Jamie Shell & Brent Nidiffer
Who would want to be born here? Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a grimy, corrupt little town not known for anything important.
An Outsider's Story
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, You just have to love the apostle Levi! You may know him better as Matthew since that is the name of the first gospel in your New..."
See All 16 Related Resources about Matthew 2:6

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:6 — [As the prophet Micah has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Surrounded!' (Ps. 32:10-11)
"Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Value of Interdependence' (Ro. 12:3-8)
"Dear Father, who wills our interdependence, Having gifts that differ, let us use them appropriately according to your will. If prophesy, in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'One Spirit to Drink' (1 Co. 12:13)
"Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Mary Crowley:
"Dear Lord, either quiet the waves or lift me above them; it's too late to learn to swim."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse