Rejoice! For To Us The King Has Born

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

It is a great joy for me to share with you the glorious news. The news of the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Birth of Jesus Christ is the one of the greatest event that ever happened to humanity. Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, He is born to be with us forever. Also, He is:

Jesus Christ’ titles:

Even though I think that Christians have to live their lives through the entire years with the same joy. I also believe that Christmas is a very special time for every human being.

Christmas is a time for all of us to stop and reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ birth. Regardless of your belief system, think about what is the reason and what is the end result of it.

Christmas is a time when we as Christians have to thank God. But from the other hand, we have to ask ourselves why the Almighty God privileged us with His presence on earth.

Is it something good, or is it bad that we have done to make our Lord God to come down to us?

Because He sent His beloved Son with the only one purpose. And that is “to bear our iniquities” and “to be pierced for our transgressions.” – (Isaiah 53:5, 11)

It just happened to be that my Bible reading plan guiding me through the books of God’s prophets. And actually, the books of prophets are an exact place where you will find the answers on those questions.

Bible Reading

Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Micah 1-3 and Revelation 11.

Micah preached against the wickedness of both Judah and Israel. Also, he prophesied the ultimate victory of God through the coming Messiah, Jesus. Thus, the book of Micah includes the wonderful prediction of the Christ’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). That prophecy eventually fulfilled over 700 years later ¹.

Micah started with the announcement of coming Judgements on Samaria and Jerusalem.

Judgement on Samaria and Judah

The coming of the Lord and the reason for His appearing followed by 4 rhetorical questions ²:

1. What is the transgression of Jacob?
2. Is it not Samaria?
3. What is the high place of Judah?
4. Is it not Jerusalem?

Samaria and Jerusalem were the royal cities that had the greatest influence in the country, by authority and by example. Idolatry and sexual immorality were their transgression ³.

Through the prophecy of Micah, God gave fair warning, but nor kings, nor priests, neither people took the warning seriously. Their case was desperate and they could not help themselves.

Soon after the destruction of Samaria the Assyrian army, under Sennacherib, laid siege to Jerusalem, and they came to the gate of the city ³.

Sennacherib’s invasion described by the impression of terror it should make upon the several cities that fell in his ways ³, see Isaiah 10:28-29.

Cause of the Judgement

Idolatry and sexual immorality not limited the sins of Israel. Unfortunately, false prophecy, influenced by the demonic spirits, flourished in the land ¹.

Another cause of the Judgement was the wicked deeds of the rich who thought about evil acts at night, even when normal people sleep. Then, as soon as morning light comes, they practiced their iniquities.

Also, they rob those that have families to take care of; they used their wealth and authority to promote their interests.

Promise of Restoration

Christ is the church’s King; He is Jehovah; He passes before them, brings them out of the land of their captivity into the land of their rest ³.

Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:1-14)

Some think these two witnesses are Elias (Elijah) and Enoch. In Matthew 17:11 Jesus said, “Elias truly shall first come, and restore all thing“. Enoch, same as Elijah, was taken into heaven without dying. Elijah was the great prophet to Israel ministering at the midpoint between Abraham and Christ. And Enoch prophesied at about the midpoint of the time between Adam and Abraham ¹.

Others think that these two witnesses are the church of the messianic Jews and that of the Gentiles. Regardless, they are deeply concerned with the poor and afflicted state of the churches and passion of Christ in the world ³.

Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)

With the sound of the 7th trumpet, the angel proclaimed the Kingship of Jesus Christ. The saints and angels thankfully recognize the right of our Lord and Savior to rule over the entire world. They thank, because God had taken to Him His dominant power and authority ³.

Also, the sounding of the 7th trumpet marks the beginning of the second half of the 70th week of Daniel (read Daniel 9:26-27). It will evidently sound through the entire period of 3.5 years as the seven vial Judgement break out one by one over the earth ¹.

Reflection

This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

1. Why do you think the Almighty God privileged us with His presence on earth?
2. What is the reason, and what is the end result of Jesus’ birth?
3. Why do you think God Judged Samaria and Judah?
4. What do you think is the cause for the Judgement of our generation?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank for the greatest gift we could ever receive. We thank You for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for your prefect life that you lived among us. We thank You that by Your stripes we have eternal life with our Father. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us and make us witnesses to the world. To witnesses the Light and the Life of our Lord Jesus.

In Jesus’ Mighty name we pray, Amen.

References:

1. The Henry Morris Study Bible KJV
2. The ESV Study Bible
3. The Matthew Henry Study Bible KJV