Ancient Words, Present Hope - Location, Location, Location

What do you know about Winterset, Iowa? In the 2020 census it had just under six thousand inhabitants. It’s a small town with not much to talk about. What about Glendale, California? This is a larger city in the Los Angeles area with just under 200,000 inhabitants. What about New Port Beach, California? Each of these locations is different in size and significance, but what makes each of this meaningful to me is that Marion Robert Morrison, aka John Wayne, was born in Iowa, moved to Glendale, and died in New Port Beach. Each of these towns are recognized in part for their celebrity member.

Have you ever stopped to consider the locations that Jesus is said to have come from? In Matthew 2, he records three locations, each a fulfillment of an Old Testament promise: Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth. Each of these locations has spiritual significance for God’s people and are highlighted because of the person who lived there. Bethlehem is a reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham and David but it also represents God redeeming a place of paganism. Egypt reminds us of Israel being redeemed from slavery. Nazareth highlights the lowliness of Messiah. These locations are tied to spiritually significant messages. Join us as we explore each of them.