Matthew 2:5-6

It is not about me…it is all about JESUS.

We show our love for Him through our love for others.

John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus' gentleness and lowliness of heart carries echoes of the "low whisper" Elijah heard. The voice that speaks our victory doesn't have to dazzle us to deliver us. His Word is enough - at whatever volume He chooses. First5 

Lagniappe...
The bounty from compassion is not predicated on life as we expect it.
The replenishment from grace doesn't start when our fear is gone.
Or when our beliefs are unadulterated.
Or when our circumstances make it feasible.
Most likely, if we wait for all that, we miss rebirth, comfort, healing, being fed to fullness... and the miracle, every time.
So, I have an idea… This week, be on the lookout for a hand that needs to be held.
And here’s the deal: Without even knowing it, we are lagniappe. We are the hands and feet of grace.
This week, what does it look like to make space? To root ourselves in love and hospitality? Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

Matthew 2:5-6

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” The New King James Version

Matthew’s reading of Micah 5:2 reflects neither the original Hebrew nor the Septuagint (Greek) translation. However, it is likely that multiple Greek translations were available at this time. Additionally, Matthew may have made his own translation, quoting from memory or paraphrasing. Despite the variations in the text, the sense is the same: Bethlehem’s importance comes from its connection to David and the Davidic Messiah.

Ancient Near Eastern rulers often are portrayed as shepherds. The same imagery is used throughout the old testament. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew clearly records how the Jewish religious authorities, who became Christ’s enemies later, unintentionally affirmed that Jesus had fulfilled a messianic prophecy in His birth. God sometimes uses the words of His opponents to speak the truth. The NKJV Study Bible

We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shineth in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And those in whose hearts the day-star is risen, to give them any thing of the knowledge of Christ, make it their business to worship him. Though Herod was very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not himself likely to live till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began to be troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not the spiritual nature of the Messiah’s kingdom. Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of many truths, and yet may hate them, because they interfere with his ambition, or sinful indulgences. Such a belief will make him uneasy, and the more resolved to oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be foolish enough to hope for success therein. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old,From everlasting.”

John 7:42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”