Advent
December 18, 2018
Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
But you, O B
,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days. –Micah 5:2
I found myself laughing recently when the sports news reporters seemed amazed that a young star had come from a small town. I do not remember who they were talking about. I grew up on a farm that was associated with the post office in a small town that had a population of 201 in the 2000 census. In our scripture today, Micah may be suggesting that good things can come from small, insignificant places. In sports, the athletics who get their names in the paper, play in games that are broadcast on TV, may have a better chance of being seen by a recruit. A player from my home town would have to exceptional to attract a recruiter. There are, however, some coaches who regularly search and find those special kids, give them a scholarship, and then eventually watch them shine in the NFL or NBA.
The prophets of the Hebrew Bible encouraged its readers to think out of the box. Nathan did it when he took it a step further. Jesus preached that all God’s children are called to serve in unique and important roles in the development of the Kingdom of God. We as followers of Christ are not only challenged to do our part but to facilitate all to fulfill their potential. One may be the teacher that sparks the imagination of a child who discovers the ways to save our planet from global warming. Another might feed the child in Yemen now starving who will teach his community how to become self-sustaining, if he lives to adulthood. And one may love an orphan who becomes the leader bringing world peace because she learned the love of God at an early age.
Prayer: Lord, help us understand that our fulfilling our potential works to help others fulfill theirs. Amen.