JOHN SHIRK – The promise of the Messiah was recorded in Micah 5:2.  “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

God has a way of working out His redemptive plan in surprising ways.  He uses the cross, an instrument of execution to pardon the sins of those who would believe in Jesus.  During His earthly ministry, Jesus called ordinary, unschooled men to follow Him.  He spent time with them and trained them to become the early church leaders who would leave a lasting impact on this world.  And He picked Bethlehem to be the birthplace of Jesus. In the world’s eyes, these were probably unimpressive ways to accomplish big purposes.  Yet, He uses the painful, the ordinary, and the small and weaves them together to show His love to a world in need of His grace.  Do you ever feel small and insignificant?  Others might treat you that way, but God does not.  He made you.  And just like the little town of Bethlehem, He can raise you for a significant purpose as the love of Jesus transforms your heart to reflect His glory.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com