When God chose Bethlehem of all places as the birthplace of His Son, He was sending us a message. Why didn’t He choose Jerusalem, the religious capital of Israel? Why not Rome, the capital of a mighty empire? Why not Athens, the center of philosophical thought in the ancient world? Why not Alexandria, the seat of learning and education at that time? Why would God choose the little town of Bethlehem? In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef explores God’s choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah.
This devotional is adapted from MY Journal, Leading The Way’s monthly devotional magazine. Sign up now for a free six-month subscription to MY Journal—Dr. Youssef’s gift to you.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon, Let’s Go to Bethlehem: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the daily devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading
[00:00:06] the Way.
[00:00:08] Treasures in Jars of Clay by Dr. Michael Youssef
[00:00:13] When God chose Bethlehem of all places as the birthplace of His Son, He was sending us
[00:00:19] a message.
[00:00:20] Why didn't He choose Jerusalem, the religious capital of Israel?
[00:00:24] Why not Rome, the capital of a mighty empire?
[00:00:27] Why not Athens, the center of philosophical thought in the ancient world?
[00:00:33] Why not Alexandria, the seat of learning and education at that time?
[00:00:38] Why would God choose the little town of Bethlehem?
[00:00:42] It was because He wanted to tell us that the hope of the world is not in religion, not in
[00:00:48] government, not in philosophy, not in education.
[00:00:52] The hope of the world is found in a person, and His name is Jesus.
[00:00:58] You see, Almighty God, sovereign, infinite, and holy, is not impressed with what impresses
[00:01:04] us.
[00:01:05] He's not impressed with the world's wealth, power, philosophy, and learning because He is
[00:01:10] the creator of all knowledge, wealth, and power.
[00:01:13] Instead, God delights in the humble.
[00:01:17] He dwells in the heart of anyone who humbly submits to Him.
[00:01:21] Bethlehem reminds us that God brings strength to the weak and gives value to the valueless.
[00:01:28] Why?
[00:01:28] Because we all, like Bethlehem, have the potential to become bearers of His glory in jars of clay,
[00:01:36] carrying a precious treasure.
[00:01:37] You may know that Bethlehem means house of bread.
[00:01:41] It's fitting because it was from Bethlehem that God gave us Jesus, the bread of life.
[00:01:47] Similarly, Bethlehem was known for its refreshing, pure water.
[00:01:51] John 4.14 reveals Jesus as the living water.
[00:01:55] Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.
[00:01:59] Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal
[00:02:05] life.
[00:02:06] Jesus, born in Bethlehem, satisfies our deepest longings.
[00:02:11] He is what our hearts have always needed.
[00:02:15] God chose Bethlehem because it is a picture of all of us.
[00:02:19] From a worldly perspective, it may seem that you don't matter, but you matter to the Father.
[00:02:25] And just like Bethlehem, Jesus can be born in you.
[00:02:29] Spiritually speaking, He can take up residence in your heart and make it His home.
[00:02:34] If you've never done so, give your life to Him today.
[00:02:39] Today, you can live with the freedom of knowing your eternal salvation in Christ.
[00:02:44] Today, you can begin to enjoy and hope in the sure promises of God.
[00:02:50] Let's pray together.
[00:02:51] Lord, You have made us to know You and enjoy You.
[00:02:56] Help us to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for us,
[00:03:01] displayed in the gift of Your Son, our Redeemer.
[00:03:05] We pray this in the name of Jesus.
[00:03:07] Amen.
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