Sunday, December 21, 2003

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel... Micah 5:2

God used the little town of Bethlehem, and the little clan of Judah, to produce a ruler for Israel. Micah's message is that a ruler is coming. He will lead the people into security and away from exile and oppression. He'll come from David's hometown, Bethlehem, a branch off of David's family tree. This ruler will bring peace to a war-torn people.

As early Christians began to shape their understanding of who Jesus was and is, this passage from Micah took on new meaning. This passage became a prophecy foretelling the coming of Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The city of David was in fact a hick town. A tiny place. The focus in Advent is on the One who is to come. The one who appeared as powerless in the eyes of the world -- he became the victorious conqueror. The one who humbled himself, who suffered the humiliation of crucifixion, became the Savior of the world.

God had a long history of using little things for grand purposes. God had chosen David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, to be king of Israel. When Solomon, David's son, takes the throne, he confesses to God that he is "only a little child" (1 Kings 3:7) and yet God uses him to be King of Israel, architect and builder of the Temple, a ruler with of incredible wisdom.

When God called Jeremiah, he pleads "I am only a boy" but God replies Do not say, "I am only a boy;" for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. (Jeremiah 1:7).

All this is good news indeed for those who work for justice. Isn't it reassuring to know that God can use our little efforts to produce something great? I remember once complaining to my spiritual director that I felt my work on the Commission on Religion and Race was not accomplishing anything. I traveled to meetings where we talked about huge problems but it seemed like nothing much was done. I felt like my efforts weren't doing anything. She vehemently replied "how do you know your efforts aren't doing any good? How do you know what God can or cannot do through you?" It was humbling to realize that yes, even my small efforts can be useful when placed in God's hands.

Look around! What is God busy doing with "little things" right now?

Marianne Cotter

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.