"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." Micah 5:2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
It was prophesied that the Messiah, this ruler...whose origins are from of old, from ancient times would come up from Bethlehem. And through God ordained events Mary and Joseph made this arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. (According to various sources, 70 to 100 miles, depending on the route; Google Map says 96 miles, no, really.) They made this trip in response to a governmental decree, and yet, God's plan came to fruition by it.
I believe there is a vital Christmas message here for us. God's plans often require us doing our day-to-day task, following the rules, doing what we are supposed to do. (This infers that 'the rules' are not superseded by God's Word.) Mary and Joseph were righteous before the Lord, and obedient to the law of man as well, this brought them, with great personal hardship, to Bethlehem, where God's Word would be fulfilled.
What might happen if we would be obedient and righteous before God in the midst of our everyday tasks?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever seen God's work in the middle of an ordinary day or event?
2. How difficult must this trip have been for a very pregnant young girl?
3. To what work has God appointed you?
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
Live as though Christ died yesterday,
rose from the grave today,
and is coming back tomorrow.
Theodore Epp
No comments:
Post a Comment