Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Prophet Predicted Bethlehem

The prophet Micah, who lived 700 BC, recorded a future event in the Scriptures: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2).

Out of all the cities in the world, Micah predicted Bethlehem would be the place where the Messiah would be born. Micah’s prophecy also explains the dual nature of Christ—both God and human. The Messiah would be born in a physical body but the prophecy explains He existed in heaven in eternity past. Jesus told us where He came from, “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven” (John 6:51).

Centuries passed without the prophecy being fulfilled. Then approximately 720 years later, events began to unfold to bring it to pass. Caesar Augustus issued a decree to tax everyone living under Roman rule. This required everyone in Israel to return to his or her own city to register. Caesar didn’t realize his order would set in motion the fulfilling of Micah’s prophecy.

Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth but both were from the house of David, which meant they had to travel to Bethlehem to register. What were the odds they would arrive in the town at the exact time Mary gave birth to Jesus, which fulfilled Micah’s prophecy from 700 years before? Only God could make that happen. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” The living bread came down from heaven to be born in Bethlehem—the house of bread.

This is just one of many prophecies fulfilled by Jesus, proving the Bible is inspired by God. For more about Bible prophecies being fulfilled read The Sure Cure for Worry.
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