Week 48 Devotion – “What God Does”

Read: Matthew 2:1-6

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel”  Matthew 2:6

Have you ever watched a  game where you thought you knew the outcome based on what the score was? Maybe the other team was down by so much, a comeback would be virtually impossible. Just when you gave up all hope, somehow against the odds, you see the underdogs, the least likely candidates experience nothing short of a miracle.

After the birth of Jesus, Magi from the east set out to visit Him. While King Herod sought to track down Jesus’s specific location, the chief priests and teachers of the law confirmed that the Messiah’s birthplace was in accordance with what was written in the scriptures. Ironically, Jesus was born in a town that was considered the least likely to produce anything great. However as we know, He emerged from Bethlehem as the greatest Ruler, Shepherd, and King man would ever know.

When God decides He is going to do something life-changing, it may not align with our logic. It may not seem consistent with our timing. But it will be in accordance with His Word. If you want to get an idea of how God is going to move, trace Him back to what He said. Using the people and places that are rejected, desolate and written off, God will perform a miracle, and it will be the greatest of its kind. You can’t underestimate Him. Perhaps you’ve been giving your all this year, and yet, you feel as though your 2021 has been reduced to nothing. Remember, God can send the game into overtime, and cause you to beat the odds- just when you were ready to throw in the towel.

When God decided the Saviour’s birthplace would be little ol’ Bethlehem, He intentionally chose to glorify Himself in a place that was overlooked. At a time when Bethlehem was regarded as nothing, God purposed Jesus to be a native of that very town which was not expected to amount to much. He negated the widespread perception that Bethlehem was the “least”, and fulfilled the Word foretold by the prophet. In doing so God revealed that He is God over the world, and all who live in it. There is nothing He does not have control over, and He can work with and through anything.

As you look back at the year in review, you may be feeling like the pandemic left you with a lot of “nothings”. But when God establishes you like He said He would, others will be drawn to worship Him. It will be an “only God” type of explanation, because there simply could be no other way. Even the Herods in your life  attempting to suppress your greatness, will realize all their efforts are in vain, because you simply can’t stop God from doing what He said He will do.

Reflection

Is there a place of “nothing” that God can  work from in your life before the year’s end? What have you yet to see come to pass in 2021?

Prayer

Father God, despite what I’ve been through this year, I thank You that I will never be the least in Your eyes. Thank You for doing everything You said You would do in my life and in this year. Thank You for the miracles You’ve done for me because I know that through them, others will be drawn to worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Deborah Nimoh