Faith Draws God’s Attention
I went to Bethlehem once. It’s still hard for me to believe! I rode in a comfy tour bus over the hills that Jesus’ ancestors once walked. I remember imagining these heroes of faith as we rolled past modern scenes.
Rachel being buried near the road to Bethlehem. Ruth gleaning in the fields and meeting Boaz. David shepherding his sheep and being anointed King too.
My heart raced a bit as our bus stopped at a checkpoint on the West Bank. Would we be welcome? Mary and Joseph had anxiously looked for welcome in this city. As we crossed into the location of the greatest miracle in history, all I could think of was “Jesus was born right here!”
“As we crossed into the location of the greatest miracle in history, all I could think of was “Jesus was born right here!” ”
God who controls history determined Jesus to be born in this obscure village, but why? The quick answer: to fulfill His prophecy (Micah 5:2) as echoed in the gospels. Yet, long before Micah declared this Word of the Lord, God intricately prepared a message that only this ancient town can preach. It’s a message about faith and it begins with the first mention of Bethlehem in scripture.
This first mention found in Genesis 35:19 explains that Rachel, who was Jesus’ great-grandmother many times over, was buried along the road near Bethlehem. This is the same road that God’s people would follow into exile centuries later.
Tradition tells us that they would stop near Bethlehem at Rachel’s grave to pray for salvation. They had faith God would keep His promise to return them to their homeland. (Jeremiah 31:14-16; Matt. 2:18)
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2
God did return His people to their promised land, yet even more so, “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” (Galatians 4:4) God answered their faith-filled prayers for salvation beyond even what they hoped.
Jesus the Messiah could have been born anywhere He chose, but perhaps He was drawn to Bethlehem due to the generations of faith-filled believers and prayers in that location.
“And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Are you believing God when you draw near to Him? Do you pray confidently knowing that the Lord hears you?
Allow the history of God’s responsiveness to energize your prayers and be assured that your faith is drawing your Heavenly Father’s attention!
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for that because of Christ and my faith in him, I can now come boldly and confidently into Your presence. Please help me to grow my faith in You. Thank You that You hear my prayers and respond to me.
Written by Kristin Fields