Thoughts on Today's Verse

"As the prophet 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

Thoughts on Today's Verse by Phil Ware

The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem was foretold by the Almighty God many years earlier through his prophets. All God's people, the Jews, knew where the Messiah was to be born. 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 One would occur in the city of Israel's great King, poet, and shepherd. This was God's well documented plan. It is also a reminder that God keeps his word and fulfills his promises.

My Prayer...

Loving God, I find it hard to complete my plans and fulfill my promises. This makes the unfolding of your plans, foretold throughout the winding story of the Old Testament, so amazing to me. You are so much loftier than man whose puny plans fail but your amazing prophecies never do.

Please use your Spirit to remind me during the darker moments of my soul that you do fulfill your promises and will bring your deliverance right on time. Please give me patience to wait faithfully, and to live courageously, for your salvation to be fully revealed. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.