An Obscure King

Have you ever felt forgotten? Unnoticed? Unimportant? 

You’re not alone.

When Jesus was born, He entered into human history in one of the smallest towns in all of Israel. There wasn’t even any room for his pregnant mother in the house, so he was born in a stable next to animals.

This was such a stark contrast to Israel’s current king—Herod, who lived in massive palaces and flaunted his wealth. While Herod was living in splendor, the King of all the universe was being born in the humblest of settings and humblest of towns.

But this obscurity brings us hope. Why? Because it shows us the example that He set for us from the beginning.

The Kingdom of God has always been upside-down compared to the culture of the world. Humility instead of grandeur. Serving instead of ruling. Giving instead of acquiring. God showed us the way His Kingdom works by bringing something great out of something small. That’s what this verse reminds us of:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you ...