Greetings Everyone:
A well known verse of Scripture that is brought to the forefront of our thoughts at this time of year is found in Micah 5:2. It reads:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth from Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.
As we are at the time of year when many around the world celebrate Christmas, it is appropriate for us to spend a few minutes reminding ourselves of the tremendous truths packed within this little verse. The eternal truths in this verse are a part of the foundation of faith shared by the House of Blessing with the multitudes that they minister to, and also of those who support and pray for HOB. The powerful message in this verse, and other Biblical passages which corroborate what it says, must be integral to our walk with God in the year 2024, which is only days away.
This little town, Bethlehem, was predicted to be the birthplace of the promised Messiah about 700 years before the actual event. There are those who might dispute this having been foretold ahead of time, but it cannot be denied. The prophecy was part of the Greek translation of the Old Testament which was written three centuries before Jesus was born. Interestingly, the reason Micah specified Bethlehem Ephrathah is because there were several towns named Bethlehem. For the sake of the accuracy of the prophecy, it had to be made clear which Bethlehem was to become the birthplace of the promised Messiah. Bethlehem Ephrathah was too small to be listed among other cities found recorded in the Old Testament.
The sovereignty of God is something we are well aware of and it was certainly on display in this story. The entire Roman Empire was mandated to migrate all its citizens to the towns of their registry. This was part of God’s plan to motivate Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem from their hometown of Nazareth, roughly 90 miles (145 km) away
In Micah 5:2, we find God speaking these words: “Out of you shall come from Me the One to be Ruler in Israel…” Here we have one example of many in the Scriptures, where one member of the Godhead refers to another one. The Father specifically says that the Son will be the One to take on human flesh in order to eventually take the throne in Israel. The description of this One entering the world as a child is what makes His real identity quite clear. His “goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” The original Hebrew description is written in the strongest possible way and is a statement of infinite duration. His existence preceded His birth. He is the preexistent One — the Creator Himself entered His own creation on our behalf! The first three verses of the Gospel of John corroborate His identity quite clearly.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
Colossians 1:16-17 is also a strong testament of His true identity:
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
The Scriptural proofs of Jesus being God in the flesh are abundant, including the risen Jesus appearing to the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation and making the unmistakable declaration that He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. We find powerful comparisons between God the Father and God the Son early in the Book of Hebrews. And then, in Hebrews 3, the writer calls on the reader to consider Jesus in comparison to the prophet Moses.
2 “…who (Jesus) was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.” Hebrews 3:2-4 (emphasis added)
This Child, born under such humble circumstances, is the same One who, when asked by the Pharisees in John 8 how He could possibly claim to know Abraham since the prophets and Abraham were long dead, said “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The Jewish religious leaders knew that He was telling them that He was the One speaking to Moses through the burning bush!
The Preexistent One took on human flesh when He entered the human race in Bethlehem. The prophet Isaiah (a contemporary of Micah) confirmed this many times in his writings. One of these is found in Isaiah 7:14:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Most of us are familiar with Isaiah 9:6:
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In verse seven, Isaiah confirms that His governmental rule will not only be from the throne of David, but His rule from Zion will be worldwide.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The absolute reign of this “Child” is referenced in the private discussion between the three members of our Triune God in Psalm 2. It seems we have been allowed to listen in on a portion of it.
(verse 6: the Father speaking) “I have set my King on My holy hill of Zion.”
(verse 7: the Son speaking) “ I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”
(verse 10-12: the Holy Spirit speaking) “Now therefore, be wise O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little…” The Holy Spirit then ends His statement with this phrase: “…Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”
What Child is this? The very One that created us and made provision for our salvation before the foundation of the earth was ever laid. He came once…and He is about to return — as promised, and His return is imminent! Might this be the last celebration of Christmas before His return? It could be!!
I trust that most readers know this story well, but I am reminded of the Apostle Peter saying that he would keep reminding the Church of the things which they already know. If ever we need to recognize the reality of the above, it is today. The return of our KING is truly imminent!
This message is also being shared by the House of Blessing missionaries to all who will listen. It is amazing that Christmas is known — at least to some degree, even in Muslim nations. Islamic theology, of course, distorts the story. HOB has shared the true story diligently now for many years, and the Truth found in the Bible is very well received. Many come to a true knowledge of the Savior as a result. Praise GOD!
The House of Blessing does what they can every year to bless the refugees a bit more during the Christmas season, but finances have been lean this year. The message however is reaching many, regardless. The true Christmas story of the Christ child continues to open the eyes of many. This is continuing from tent to tent all across many camps. It is a special blessing to have many Muslim children so eager to hear the stories and respond to them!
The HOB missionaries also continue praying for a great many people as they share the Christmas story. Many are healed as they are prayed for by the many ministering teams. HOB is finding many sick children. Brother Talal tells me they are suffering from severe colds, cholera, and skin rashes, but our loving Father is touching many with healing!
As you know, wintertime is especially hard on the refugees. The needs continue becoming greater as the weather gets colder. This is also the case for believers who are caught in the middle of the war in Gaza. The Israeli military is having to take the Hamas terrorist organization down with great force, and the collateral damage and injuries and deaths of innocents are a sad consequence. I am told that there is a way to get supplies to them through special contacts when the resources are available.
For those that might question Israel’s harsh response to the terrorist attack on October 7th, be aware that there are many organizations that are doing everything they can to obfuscate the horrors of that day, just as many still deny the holocaust during World War II. Don’t be deceived. Is Israel perfect in all its actions? Of course not. Neither is any nation on earth. They are, however, God’s people and as we continue evangelizing the world, we as believers — especially as Gentile believers — are instructed to pray for Israel. God has not abandoned them, nor will He. He has given His word! Our task is to lift the nation up in prayer. Things are going to become much more intense. Keep in mind, when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for the return of the Prince of Peace!
I will provide more information as I receive it. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Remember, brother Talal is the authorized person handling funds for the ministry of the House of Blessing. Also remember, no matter what attacks the enemy of God and the fulfillment of His Great Commission to evangelize the world, God’s work will be completed because it is HE that empowers it. God bless you all!
Forever in His Service,
Jake