Migdal Eder: Behold, The Lamb of God!

December 11, 2021 Scripture: Genesis 35:1-21; Micah 4:8; Micah 5:2

From the beginning of time, God had this rescue plan in place. Jesus' coming is echoed throughout the Old Testament. Details are sprinkled everywhere. If we want to see the truth and understand the intricate weaving of this story, we must put aside what the world has convinced us. When using the Bible as a reference, we will see where the world has mislead in it's telling of the Christmas story.

The prophet Micah prophecies about The Tower of the Flock about 700 years before Jesus arrives:

Micah 4:8 says, "And you, O tower of the flock, (emphasis mine) hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the former dominion shall come, kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem." For back story and a little more info on 'tower of the flock', please read Genesis 35:1-21. Jacob with his two wives and two concubines bore twelve sons in all. God re-named Jacob 'Israel' and told him to be fruitful and multiply. In Genesis 35:11-12, God made a promise to Israel. The twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus was born out of the lineage of the tribe of Judah. (Matthew 1:1-6; Luke 3:31-34) In the journey between Bethel and Ephrath (Genesis 35:16-19) Rachel went into labor. She died giving birth, and named her son, Ben-oni 'son of my sorrow' in her dying breath, and Israel changed their son's name to Benjamin 'son of the right hand'. Some 734 years later, Jesus' parents (Mary & God) could say the same. How excruciating it must have been for Mary to watch her first born son's journey to and through the cross! Except, Jesus would take Mary's place delivering her from eternal death by taking that journey. Israel built a tower in Bethlehem Ephrath for his beloved wife. He named the tomb 'Migdal Eder' which means, 'Tower of the Flock'. Perhaps this was to honor her work as a shepherdess. The name Rachel means 'ewe' and 'one with purity'. It's no secret, Rachel was Israel's most beloved wife. This may have been another reason for naming the tomb, 'Tower of the Flock.' For Jacob/Israel may have viewed Rachel as the tower above his other wives. (Genesis 35:19-21) ...fast forward 700 years In the days leading up to the Messiah's birth, Migdal Eder, was a place in Bethlehem Ephrath used by the shepherd priests to watch over the temple lambs night and day (discussed in advent study 9 & 10). During a certain season (most likely November to January), the sheep would bare lambs that would be specifically used for sacrificial purposes at the temple for the propitiation for sin. Jesus was probably born between late June to September of 2 BC. Migdal Eder would have been clean and sterile during Israel's summer. Remember, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the Census, but the town was bursting full of people. Could Mary & Joseph passed through Bethlehem Ephrath, on the outskirts of town, upon arrival? When they found no lodging in town, the two must have felt desperate as night fell for a safe dwelling. Do you think they would have asked the shepherds? Perhaps this is another reason the angels ran with haste after Gabriel gave news about The Savior having been born. What the world has done to the Christmas story still glorifies God, but look how much is missed if we just take what the world has taught us? There is so much thought weaved into His first coming as The Lamb. The sacrificial lamb. The perfect final sin sacrifice.

How much more thought is weaved throughout the Bible of His second coming as The Lion? Do you make time with Him? If you are experiencing a time of doubt or drought, please be encouraged to reach out to someone for prayer. A great way to fall back in love with Jesus and see deeper into His Word, is to listen to podcasts whenever possible. Here are a few I recommend: * Athey Creek, Pastor Brett: Walks through the entire Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter.

* John McArthur, Grace Church: Excellent expositor and Biblical knowledge * Jimmy Evans, The Tipping Point: An Eschatologist of 25+ years * Francis Chan My friend and sister, Jesus is the purpose of it ALL. Worldly Christmas and all the things that come with it are temporal. There is no gift bigger than Jesus. What he gives is eternal, and what he rescues us from is eternal too. Praise him for his perfect sacrifice!

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