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Crosswalk Devotionals http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/ Bible Pathways September 25 Read Micah 1 -- 7 In Today's Reading: Impending judgment against Israel and Judah; future deliverance of a remnant; birth of Christ foretold; Lord's judgment and mercy Except for David, all the kings of Judah were born in Jerusalem � the City of God. But, 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah was led to prophesy: You, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall He come forth to Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (eternity) (Micah 5:2). At the God-appointed time, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. . . . Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (Luke 2:1,4). As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to go to David's hometown of Bethlehem to register. In issuing his command from Rome, Caesar could only have thought of his own kingdom. However, God used the heathen emperor's authority to fulfill Micah's prophecy. The most significant statement of Micah's prophecy is: Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. This proclaims the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer King Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and suffer for the sins of the world if He had a sinful nature like everyone else. Because of this, Jesus the Son of God, was born of the virgin Mary without a human father. Therefore, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary: You shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. . . . and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary to the angel (Gabriel), How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that Holy One who shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:31-35). As descendants of Adam, we all have inherited his sinful nature since by one man's (Adam's) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One (Jesus) shall many be made righteous (Romans 5:19). Christ Revealed: As the Ruler in Israel (Micah 5:2) who was to be born in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem as the Son of the Highest: and . . . of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33; 2:4-6). Word Studies: 1:16 Make thee bald, and poll thee = Shave your head as a sign of sorrow; 2:5 none that shall cast a cord by lot = no one is to make boundaries by lot; 2:7 straitened = limited; 2:13 The Breaker refers here to Messiah; 6:9 hear ye the rod = heed the rod, the instrument of God's coming judgment. Prayer Needs: Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Costello (IL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) � Country: South Korea (47 million) in northeastern Asia � Major languages: Korean and English � Religious freedom � 33% Buddhist; 24% Protestant; 22% Confucianism and other eastern religions; 4% Roman Catholic � Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9). Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 14:9 For more great resources to help you grow in your relationship with God, please visit Crosswalk Faith: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.26736.1.1698058 View the full selection of devotionals available from Crosswalk.com here: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.26736.2.1698058 >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/210/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
