Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 2:10-11 | But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
MICAH 5:2-5 | 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. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.
The Bethlehem moment was one of humility and danger, when God began to partner with human beings in a new way, initially obscurely and eventually publicly. But this initiative was not a spur of the moment decision or a cosmic ad lib in the face of human rebellion. It was part of a long-term strategy, a plan with roots in ancient people of God. Micah looked for that day, when God would start a new era at Bethlehem, and a Savior would arise.
Jesus’ life is not just a stage in the story of God and humankind, it is the center and culmination of that story. All the previous parts of Old Testament history, from law and promise to prophet, priest, and king, are filled full of meaning by his life. Bethlehem is that fulfillment.
What holy expectations is God fulfilling in your life?
Think of several Old Testament practices or hopes that Jesus fulfills.
