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If I were to name this Advent Devotion, I would simply call it ‘Unlikely Places.’
‘… for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and He shall be the one of peace.’ (Micah 5:4-5)
We’ve all heard stories of a seemingly unremarkable person – coming from a rather unlikely place – doing quite remarkable things. Athletes and scientists, actors and doctors…coming from the humblest of backgrounds, often overcoming adversity, poverty and lack of opportunity; yet, achieving the pinnacle of success in their respective fields.
One such unlikely place was Bethlehem, a relatively obscure little village in Judea. Yet, Bethlehem was home to King David and, of course, Jesus.
In this passage (Micah 5:1-5a), Christians have been encouraged by the promise of the Messiah.
‘Shepherding his flock in the strength of the Lord, the Prince of Peace comes to us.’
Micah exclaimed to God’s people that out of a barren place, God would reveal His majesty.
I recall a very humble man from my youth – a teacher – way back in public school in New York City. He came from a very unlikely place too; the South Bronx. Back in the day, the South Bronx wasn’t the thriving metropolis it is today. It was a bitter landscape of burned-out buildings, the very embodiment of urban decay and despair.
However, this amazing teacher overcame great odds including a serious battle with bone cancer to pursue his passion; namely, teaching. He came into my life at just the right time. He inspired a thirst for knowledge, a desire to dig deeper and not to accept mediocrity.
My unlikely teacher friend is gone now but not forgotten.
During this season of Advent, we give thanks for God’s greatness in Jesus who saves the world.
God of the unlikely, help us to look for and to find you, even in unlikely places. Amen.
Seth Brown
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