Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7

Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7

Mica 5:2

Bethlehem means house of bread, Ephrathah means fruitful. It is a little town south of Jerusalem. The town was considered too little to even be considered among the clans of Judah. David came from Bethlehem and when Judah brought out his sons to Samuel (1 Samuel 16), David was not brought to see Samuel. David was left to watch the flock while his more prospective brothers are presented.

Bethlehem sat for the next 700 years after Mica makes his prophecy about the coming Messiah. People who studied the scripture knew of Bethlehem but paid little attention to what went on there. The people of Bethlehem they do not pay attention or look forward to the coming Messiah. You might think the little town would take hold of the prophetic message and name their football team the Messiahs. Perhaps build a home for the coming King. But they do not.

Into this normally sleepy, forgotten town come Mary and Joseph. The town is full now because all the descendants of David the King must come there to be counted in a Roman census. Mary and Joseph have no place to stay but they do find a place that has a manger or feeding trough to use as a crib for Jesus to lie in.

2. Jesus is coming again
a. John 14:1-3 “I go to prepare a place for you”
b. many of the messianic prophecies have yet to be fulfilled.
c. Rev 22:7-14 “Behold I am coming soon”
d. Matthew 24:30-44 All will see it and no one knows the day
e. Jesus warns of not being ready
f. The man who comes to the wedding not dressed properly Matthew 22:11-14
g. Matthew 25:13 watch and be ready
h. the Talents (14) and the caring for the king (vs 44)

3. Are we ready?
a. year 2000 and a friend
b. Are we ready?
c. Are the people we know ready?
d. The man with cancer in LV I waited too long.
e. 1 peter 3:15 always be ready

Bethlehem the forgotten sleepy little town had forgotten itself. They stopped believing or looking for the messiah.  Let us be ready in our hearts and lives to meet Jesus face to face with Joy and thanksgiving. Let us meet him with our friends and neighbors by our sides singing and rejoicing in praise to Jesus’ forgiveness and grace. Let us be ready when the King comes back.