You Can't Be Serious

     What do you say when someone says something that sounds utterly ridiculous or unlikely? Well, that is what was commonly thought of Micah's prediction that the "Bread-town" of "Fruitful" district would actually come from the literal place of those names. Prophets were known for so much figurative language to try to get their point across, that unfortunately, when they tried to give a literal prediction which sounded figurative it came across as entirely nebulous and figurative. It isn't too hard to see how two names for delightful and good production could be heard as though the Messiah will come from a good place. "Well my little clan lives in a good and fruitful place, so the Messiah might come from here." Guesses on top of guesses stray from God's whisper until most people say, "Oh, no, not Bethlehem, that isn't actually possible."

     This passage makes me wonder about where I am and where we are. Imagine what God has planned for you, me, and us. We have probably guessed wrong. We might think that such amazing and powerful things are not likely here. Again and again, God says to us, "Think again!"

Micah 5:1-5a

Now you are walled around with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the ruler of Israel upon the cheek. 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. If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil, we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.

God of all places,

I thank you for this little place in which we live, breathe and give praise to you! I pray your blessings upon my clan and your people, your land and my care of it. As I ready my hearth and home for your coming, I pray your blessing on my adornments and efforts. May all that I sing and share as I decorate and prepare here where I live give glory to you and your infinite goodness. Be with those who are lost or without a home this day. Watch over and protect those whose home is a place of disruption or violence. Lead me in whatever manner I am fit to help and serve those who are in need of shelter, home, or a secure stay. I lift up to you my other concerns this day... In the name of Christ Jesus of little
Bethlehem. Amen.