A Small Start 从微小开始

[Dexu Xia]

Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small . . . , out of you will come . . . [a] ruler over Israel.  Micah 5:2

The Brooklyn Bridge was considered “the eighth wonder of the world” upon its completion in 1883. But a single, slender wire strung from one bridge tower to the other was essential for the structure to come to fruition. Additional wires were added to the first until a massive cable, along with three others, was woven together. When finished, each cable—composed of more than five thousand galvanized wires—helped support the longest suspension bridge in its day. What started as something small turned into a huge part of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Jesus’ life began in a small way—a baby born and placed in a feeding trough in a tiny town (Luke 2:7). The prophet Micah prophesied His humble birth, writing, “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” (Micah 5:2; see also Matthew 2:6). A small start, but this ruler and shepherd would see His fame and mission “reach to the ends of the earth” (Micah 5:4).

Jesus was born in a small place in humility, and His life on earth ended as “he humbled himself” and died a criminal's death on a “cross” (Philippians 2:8 nlt). But by His immense sacrifice He bridged the gap between us and God—providing salvation for all who believe. This season, may you receive God’s great gift in Jesus by faith. And if you do believe, may you humbly praise Him anew for all He’s done for you.

By:  Tom Felten

What small or big thing is God doing in your heart? How will you humbly respond to Him?

Jesus, thank You for humbly coming to save me by Your great sacrifice.

伯利恒、以法他啊，你在犹大诸城中为小，将来必有一位从你那里出来，在以色列中为我作掌权的。弥迦书5章2节

在1883年建成的纽约市布鲁克林大桥，被誉为“世界第八大奇迹”，是当时最长的吊桥。但在建造时，却是从一根纤细的纲丝开始。建筑师在这根小钢丝的基础上加上额外的纲丝使之成为巨大的缆索，从一个桥塔连接到另一个桥塔，与另外三条缆索交织在一起。竣工时，这四条由5,000条以上的镀锌钢丝组成的巨大缆索支撑着这座吊桥。曾经是纤细的小钢丝，最后成为支撑布鲁克林大桥的主要结构。

耶稣的人生从卑微开始，祂成为小婴孩，在小镇出生，被放在马槽里（路加福音2章7节）。先知弥迦预言祂出身卑微，说：“伯利恒、以法他啊，你在犹大诸城中为小，将来必有一位从你那里出来，在以色列中为我作掌权的”（弥迦书5章2节；马太福音2章6节）。虽从卑微开始，但这位统治者及牧者的名声和事工必“日见尊大，直到地极”（弥迦书5章4节）。

耶稣出生于一个卑微的小地方，祂在地上的生命也以“自己卑微”而结束，被当成罪犯钉死在“十字架上”（腓立比书2章8节）。但耶稣的伟大牺牲，弥合了我们与上帝之间的鸿沟──为所有相信祂的人预备了救恩。在新的一年，愿你能因信耶稣基督而领受上帝所赐极大的恩典。倘若你已相信基督，愿你重新谦卑地赞美祂为你所做的一切。

作者：  冯得恩

上帝正如何在你心中动工？你要如何谦卑地回应祂？

主耶稣，谢谢祢谦卑地来到世上，牺牲自己来拯救我。