Small town superstar

Many popular people were born in small towns including singers Céline Dion and Shania Twain, hockey player Sidney Crosby, and insulin discoverer Frederick Banting. So was the greatest Person ever born, Son of God Jesus Christ. His birth was foretold many years prior to when it happened:

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)

Micah prophesied in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (about 750–700 B.C.). He wrote what God gave him to write about the same time as Isaiah. It was a prosperous time but Micah denounced the wealthy who were oppressing the poor and warned of impending judgment. He also gave messages of hope, telling of a day when the nations would “beat their swords into plowshares” and of a royal Deliverer who would come to save God’s people from all her enemies.

He would be born in a small town. Matthew writes about it in the first book of the New Testament. He quotes the OT prophecy with . . .

In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:5–6)

When Jesus was born, a group of magi called “wise men” saw the star that announced his arrival. I’ve wondered how they knew about this and were convinced to follow the star. I’ve heard that some historians trace these men back to the days of Daniel and think that they heard about this future event from him, a godly Jewish boy who became a leader in their country. No matter the method by which they knew the King of the Jews would be born, there was a respect for this event in their hearts. They were pagans, yet the wanted to honor this new king. They also wanted to protect Him:

Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:7–12)

I love that Matthew recorded this. It tells me that God made the good news available to people outside the Jewish world even before Jesus was born. This is like a prophecy that points to the reality that salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles, shepherds and wise men, and later those ‘publicans and sinners’ that Jesus ate and spent time with only to be criticized by the religious leaders of His day.

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Lord, this passage takes on new meaning as I get a big picture view of Your plan. You somehow made Your arrival known to these magi who otherwise would have no idea what the God of Israel was doing. They were deeply moved by this revelation, enough to travel a long way to pay homage to Him while He was still an infant. That is a testimony to Your great power. In this world that needs to see what You can do, I am encouraged. No one and nothing is beyond Your reach!

What about those speed limit signs?

The New Testament story took place in the Roman empire, in what the Bible calls “the fullness of time.” Rome was significant to the story for several reasons. Perhaps the most important one was the emphasis on law and order backed by a superior military force. Without this, the days of peace during the reign of Caesar Augustus would have been unlikely — meaning that Mary and Joseph may have not experienced safety during the most important event in history.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1–7)

To Bethlehem from Nazareth was about 90 miles. Considering she was pregnant, this was a slow go, perhaps taking days. Did they do it because Rome said so? Were they afraid of the military who enforced Roman decrees? Or did they know that the child promised them by the angel would be born in Bethlehem as prophesied in the OT so they went because this was the will of God?

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)

These thoughts remind me of driving in school and playground zones. Our city has those without fences posted to slow down, from early morning to late evening, to 30 km or about 18 mph — mighty slow. When it is cold on a Sunday evening and there are no children in sight, I’m strongly tempted to drive a little faster. Sometimes I do. However, I’m nagged by another Scripture passage . . .

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (Romans 13:1–5)

I could slow down because a child might dart out from nowhere and suddenly be in my path. I could slow down because I fear getting caught in photo radar. I could slow down because it would be a good time to use my cell phone (also against the law), but none of these reasons fit with the will of God. Joseph and Mary remind me that my motivation for obedience to the laws of this place are important. I’m not necessarily fulfilling prophecy (except that the Bible says God’s people will be obedient to Him) yet I am pleasing God. Who knows what He does through the submission of His people?

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Lord Jesus, when I travel our local streets or city freeways or highways, keep reminding that You used Joseph and Mary’s obedience to law as part of Your plan of redemption. My obedience certainly does not seem that important, but what do I know? It could be. Besides, it pleases You and is a reflection of Your character and grace. Keep reminding me to pay attention to those speed limit signs.