Oh Little Town
Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me.His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times. Micah 5:2 csb
It’s been said everything in Texas is bigger! In America, generally, things are larger than in the rest of the world. I discovered that most cars outside of the States are much smaller, as the streets are smaller. It is a part of our way of life to believe that bigger is better. But is it really? As I have studied the Word of God, I find it amazing that God seeks the small, the humble, and the lowly to be used mightily. In God’s kingdom, small is big and big is small. He chooses the weak to confound the wise. He calls His followers to become like a little child. God’s Word is so countercultural to the norm we are used to.
When Jesus Christ came, He came exactly like Bethlehem; small, unassuming, humble, and poor. The Savior of the world was not born in a palace but in a stable, laid in a manger, and first announced to shepherds. God chose what the world overlooks to accomplish what the world could never do.
This reminds us that God is not impressed by size, strength, or status. He is drawn to hearts that are humble and available. In His hands, a small town can change history, a simple obedience can move heaven, and an ordinary life can be used for eternal purposes. May we never despise small beginnings, but instead offer ourselves just as we are to a God who delights in doing great things through what seems small.
Agape, Frank
Then Comes The Judgment
The nations were angry, but your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged and to give the reward to your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear your name…Revelation 11:18 csb
I recently read a quote on Facebook from Variety Magazine in an interview with director Guillermo Del Toro. He’s famous for creating dark, eccentric fantasies. In the interview, he said something that struck me: “I’m a big fan of death… I think death is really good. I’m certainly looking forward to it, because it’s the day you go, ‘Well, tomorrow I won’t have any problems.’”
What a position to have on death and how false it is. The Bible tells us that when we die, there is much that comes afterward. Many people are fearful of death and they should be, if they do not have Christ. But if you are a Christian, you have nothing to fear from death, because it is a defeated foe. Christ conquered sin and death when He rose from the grave; therefore, those who place their hope in Him have no reason to fear!
However, for those who have rejected Christ, contrary to what filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro claims, death is only the beginning of their problems. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment.” For the man or woman who dies rejecting Christ, you will find out how real your troubles truly are. But for those who have believed and received Christ, Hebrews 9:28 continues: “So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”
Great things are in store for you. Wonderful promises await you. You have no reason to fear death, because for you, Christ has overcome. But if you still choose to reject Christ, your problems are only getting started.
Agape, Frank