Article - The Coming Savior

The Coming Savior

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. –Micah 5:2

During this time of year, many Christians try to reflect upon the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, in the materialism and revelry that accompanies the holiday season, thoughts of Christ are often lost in the shuffle. Although we do not know the exact time of year Christ was born into this world, we have an excellent opportunity to meditate upon the purpose for which Christ was born, and to share these truths with others.

In the above verse we witness the power and sovereignty of God in sending forth Christ to become our Savior. By the inspiration of God, Micah says, "Out of thee (Bethlehem) shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel." It should be comforting to us to know that Jesus was sent of God. He was sent to be the Savior of His people. There was perfect harmony in Heaven in the work of redemption. Jesus spoke of this truth in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

In observing the humble birthplace of our Savior, we are blessed with a glimpse of God's mercy and grace. He was born in Bethlehem, one of the most insignificant cities in Judah. Our Redeemer did not enter into this world with pomp and circumstance; instead He was born in a manger in a small town! The Bible says that there was nothing physically impressive about Christ that men would be attracted to him. Bethlehem--the name itself is quite humble, meaning 'house of bread.' What hope that gives to the least of us! Christ came for all of His children, not just the rich or the mighty or the powerful or the beautiful!

Prophecy was fulfilled when the Bread of Life was born of the Virgin Mary in the house of Bread. Bethlehem was also the birthplace of David, the second King of Israel, and one who also had meager beginnings. Jesus was often referred to as the Son of David. David was a type of Jesus, but unlike David, Christ's kingdom was to be an everlasting one. Ephratah means, "Fruitfulness" or "abundance." All Christians would readily affirm that these characteristics aptly describe our Redeemer. We have abundant, everlasting life through Jesus Christ!

Finally, we observe why Christ came. Micah prophesied that Jesus was to be ruler of Israel. Was the Bible speaking about Jesus ruling as a natural king, or something greater? His rule far surpassed earthly kingdoms. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus Christ is the head of spiritual Israel, His elect family. In John 18:36, Jesus explained that His kingdom was not of this world. His kingdom is an everlasting, spiritual one. He came into the world to save His people (spiritual Israel) from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He accomplished this work when He laid down His life on the cross. When He said, "It is finished" the work of salvation was complete! Speaking of God, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Christ suffered in our stead that we might have fellowship with Him in His kingdom.
Christ was born into this world to redeem His elect family. When we think of Jesus' birth, it ought to point us to His work on the cross. Child of God, Heaven is your home because of the full, complete, finished work of our Redeemer. We know that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and yet, though we be so undeserving, we have been given such astounding graces! In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season let us think upon the greatest gift that has ever been given; the free gift of eternal life. It is my prayer that we would share these truths with one another.

Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastormichael@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.