O Little Town
Series: The Unexpected Ways of God
December 22, 2024
Frank Foreman
God often uses tiny, seemingly insignificant things to show us deep truths about Himself and His ways. Throughout the Bible, we see God teach us spiritual lessons through ordinary things in our everyday lives, like a mustard seed, a sparrow, or a child. These small things aren’t just random or simple; they’re like windows into bigger realities, inviting us to look beyond the surface and see the amazing wisdom of God. For example, Jesus used a tiny mustard seed to show us how even the smallest faith can have a huge impact. The seed might look tiny, but when it grows, it becomes a tree that provides shelter for birds (Matthew 13:31-32). In this way, God teaches us that even the most humble beginnings can lead to amazing results when we trust Him. ---------- These lessons from small things remind us not to overlook the little moments and unnoticed details of life. God is not only there in big, exciting events or dramatic encounters, but also in the quiet, subtle ways He speaks to us through the ordinary. Whether it’s the persistence of a tiny ant, the faithfulness of the rain, or even a tiny baby born into a seemingly insignificant town like Bethlehem, God shows us His character and invites us to learn from the simplest of things. By doing so, He reminds us that His kingdom works in ways that often surprise us, turning the small and weak into powerful forces for change. In this sense, the “small things” aren’t just minor details; they’re the ways God shapes our hearts and calls us to a deeper understanding of His greatness.
Episode Notes
Micah 5:2, But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me One who is to be Ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Big Idea: God uses small details to teach big truths.
1. The census led to Bethlehem.
Luke 2:1-7, In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with Child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Acts 5:37, After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.
2. The prophecy led to Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:1-5, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
Daniel 5:11-12, …your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel…
3. Bethlehem led to the Savior.
John 1:29, The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
1st Peter 1:18-19, …knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a Lamb without blemish or spot.
NEXT STEP: Be grateful this Christmas… You are not small to God.
John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
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