The One!

The One!

Micah 5:2 AMPC

[2] But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).

We have spoken about the One who is coming and has now been made manifest. However, in today's verse, we read about his earthly origins and where God chose to ground him and introduce him to the earth. The place was called Bethlemen, which from bible records, meant "house of bread". It is quite instructive to note this meaning, especially when you consider the identity and personality of the One associated with the town. Right from the days of Abraham, we recall it was the burial site of the love of Jacob's life, Rachel. It was also mentioned in the introduction to the great king of Israel, David the beloved of God. This was the town where David grew up and was announced to the whole world as the king of Israel, and was also launched into international repute and popularity. Like all things that God does, He seeks to teach us total dependence on Him, and not on our own systems and provisions. 

In light of the above, just picture the sight where the house of bread at some point became the land of famine in the days of Ruth, and natives had to flee the land in search of food and sustenance, going as far as Moab, a land called a wash pot by God Himself. There are many sides to a name, and it matters what the name is. Ask Jacob and Jabez, whose names limited their impact until God intervened. In one instance, Jacob's name was changed to align with the purpose of God for his life, while ih Jabez's case, his name was not changed, but we know that God changed his story. It is still the same God who is working out His purpose in our lives. He sets up one and brings down another; He steps into a situation and changes it from the inside. Men see you and think you are ordinary, but in time, the work of God done in you will be made manifest to the world. 

You could ask: "What is in a name?". The story of Bethlehem and the One who is linked to it make it clear that names are powerful. The house of bread laid the foundation for the Bread of Life to be made manifest. The place that once had famine is now the place where the spring that wells up to eternal life was made manifest. The land that was deemed to be inconsequential and unimportant is now known all over the world. That is what a connection with the Ruler of Israel can lead to; we are known as Christians because of that connection, and we have the hope of eternal life simply because of our total and complete surrender to the One who has been given as a gift to the earth. He is ageless and timeless, and all who come and put their trust in Him would also become like Him when this earthly phase is over. Whatever is my earthly reality today is timed, except He who lives in me. Have you given Him room in your life? Is He living in you, making your life His home? Eternity beckons; are you ready? God's time of favour is here.