Month: December 2022

Luke 2:25-40 JB Phillips In Jerusalem was a man by the name of Simeon. He was an upright man, devoted to the service of God, living in expectation of the “salvation of Israel”. His heart was open to the Holy Spirit, and it had been revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Lord’s Christ. He had been led by the Spirit to go into the Temple, and when Jesus’ parents brought the child in to have done to him what the Law required, he took him up in his arms, blessed God, and said—“At last, Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised! For with my own eyes I have seen your salvation which you have made ready for every people—a light to show truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.”

^33-35 The child’s father and mother were still amazed at what was said about him, when Simeon gave them his blessing. He said to Mary, the child’s mother, “This child is destined to make many fall and many rise in Israel and to set up a standard which many will attack—for he will expose the secret thoughts of many hearts. And for you … your very soul will be pierced by a sword.”

^36-38 There was also present, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, who was a prophetess. She was a very old woman, having had seven years’ married life and was now a widow of eighty-four. She spent her whole life in the Temple and worshipped God night and day with fastings and prayers. She came up at this very moment, praised God and spoke about Jesus to all those in Jerusalem who were expecting redemption.

^39-40 When they had completed all the requirements of the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew up and became strong and full of wisdom. And God’s blessing was upon him.

Observation

So, Christmas has come and gone.  We had shepherds “stricken with terror” as armies of angels lit up the sky and announced Jesus’ birth.  The baby has been dedicated.  Simeon declares, “For with my own eyes I have seen your salvation which you have made ready for every people—a light to show truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.”  Anna “spoke about Jesus to all those in Jerusalem who were expecting redemption.”  And then, barring one story when Jesus was 12, nothing.

“The child grew up and became strong and full of wisdom. And God’s blessing was upon him.”   With such an impressive entrance, you would expect a little more detail over the next several decades.   He seemed to disappear from public view.  Did the people think Anna was crazy talking about some baby named Jesus who would bring redemption?  When?  Were there momentary glimpses in His youth of the miracles to come?  If not, how did Mary know to expect one from Him at the wedding in Cana?   We are left with so many questions like this including why His growing up is not recounted in the Gospels.  Apparently, that is not part of the story that we need to hear.

Impact on Me

It occurs to me that God is not moved to act rashly in light of existing circumstances.  He made a plan before the foundation of the earth and stayed its course.  He has no Plan B.  Also, God is eternal, without beginning or end, and so not tied to time as we humans are.  There have been many times in prayer that I felt He was delaying too long because, in my estimation, the need was urgent and pressing.  I have learned over time that my perception is not always in line with God’s plan, purposes and will.

Did Jesus need to come as a baby and experience childhood out of the public eye to prepare Him to be our Advocate – one for every age from baby to adult?  Was this an equally difficult sacrifice?  What about the frustration of teaching disciples who at times seemed so dull and unable to grasp the point?  If it were me, I would have had grave concerns over leaving the message of redemption in their hands.  But, this, too, was God’s plan all set out in His perfect timing.  I have learned that true understanding lies in faith not in knowing all the answers.

Prayer

Father God, All-Knowing and never changing, I won’t be making a list of questions to ask You when I get to Heaven because what I don’t know doesn’t really matter as long as I do know Jesus, My Redeemer, and Your will and purpose for me now.  May I trust in Your plan rather than insisting You explain the why and the timing before I buy in.  May I be content to walk step by step as long as Jesus walks beside me.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

John 1:14-18 JB Phillips  So the word of God became a human being and lived among us. We saw his splendour (the splendour as of a father’s only son), full of grace and truth. And it was about him that John stood up and testified, exclaiming: “Here is the one I was speaking about when I said that although he would come after me he would always be in front of me; for he existed before I was born!” Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches—there is a grace in our lives because of his grace. For while the Law was given by Moses, love and truth came through Jesus Christ. It is true that no one has ever seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only Son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known.

Observation

“So the word of God became a human being and lived among us.”  This is what Christmas is about.  The Creator of all chose to become a man, His creation, so He could redeem humanity which had become corrupted by paying a price only He could pay.  Only He could do this and, ultimately, He set the requirements for redemption.  Have you ever asked yourself questions about the how and why?  I have.

Why be born as a baby under a shadow of questionable parentage?  Why be born in a manger?  Why in a backwater like Bethlehem rather than Jerusalem?  Why the Cross?  Jesus came quietly as Immanuel; oh, except for the loudly rejoicing angels who were apparently only seen and heard by the shepherds out in the fields!  All of these questions can be answered by prophecies made long before regarding Messiah, but why ordain this difficult way?

Impact on Me

I have long ago given up lamenting about how and why God leads me and others on the pathways in our lives.  I have come to know that Jesus, Messiah, Immanuel, came to bring eternal Truth not the harmony of compromise, shalom peace not the complacency of not rocking the boat, God’s grace rather than forgiveness in word only, His life not just human existence, relationship not religion, and faith in Him rather than depending on what we can accomplish in our own strength.   He came to challenge the culture the devil sells as desirable, pleasurable and inevitable for mankind.  This caused controversy and still does.

I am determined to live by Heaven’s culture.  Coming to this place has happened through holding on to Him as we walked together through physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.  Have I lamented as to why this path – yes!  Have I wondered if He left my side – yes!  Have I cried out asking if He forgot me – yes!   But, He is always there and always leading me on in hope and giving me the strength to make better choices and hold on to the end – most of the time with no explanation necessary as I look back over the road and assess what I have gained by walking in faith with Him through it.

Romans 15:13 JB Phillips May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.

Prayer

Lord God, Creator, Redeemer, Immanuel, I am so grateful.  Jesus’ birth was the beginning of the sacrifice to redeem us, the desire to make a way for us to live in You and You in us, for us to be representatives of Heaven’s culture here on earth.  As I celebrate Christmas, all the questions are moot when I remember the purpose of that birth with awe and wonder.  May I let my laments be less for my condition and, instead, reflect and join with Your heart as it aches over the condition of the world.  Remind me always that it is Jesus in me that will change the world.  As I sing those familiar carols, may I listen to the words and rejoice for Immanuel – God with us!  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

Matthew 1:18-25 MSG The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they enjoyed their wedding night, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.

^20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic revelation to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).

^24-25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

Observation

Both Mary and Joseph faced difficult decisions in accepting God’s mission to birth Messiah.  Mary considered the consequences of saying, “Yes.”  How would her family react?  None of them had seen or heard the angel.  Would Joseph refuse to marry her and make a public announcement of the dissolution of the betrothal?  Would she be ostracized, a social outcast, in her community?  Would she have to raise her son alone?  Would he be branded as a bastard and have the stigma follow him all his life?   

What would Joseph do?  He knew he was not the father of this baby, so he would assume she had committed adultery with someone else.  If he did not annul his contract with Mary, everyone would assume he was the one who had committed adultery with her.  He must have cared for her and her family to want to “take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.”  After the angel appeared in the dream, he decided to bear whatever shame would come and follow the pathway God had destined for them both.

And why would Father God choose to have Messiah born carrying such a social burden?  Could it have been to make it easier for sinners to relate to Jesus?

Impact on Me

How many times have I read the Christmas story without considering the sacrifice made by Mary, Joseph and Jesus?  They chose to submit to God regardless of the circumstances, to bear the burden of the consequences of their choices because it served God’s will and purpose, to suffer shame and rejection of their society in order to meet God’s needs rather than their own.  Thank goodness Mary and Joseph were wise and courageous enough to accept whatever consequences came with being the human parents of the Messiah, the promised one who would “save his people from their sins.” 

So, am I that wise and courageous?  Would I make choices that I knew would bring shame, rejection and disgrace on me or my family?  Would I allow everyone to misunderstand the situation for the sake of fulfilling God’s will and purpose?  I can look back on my life and see times where I said, “Yes!” and other times where I failed to do so.  The good news is that that baby Jesus, the Messiah, walked out His “Yes” from manger to the Cross so that I can receive grace for the times I failed.  This Jesus Who chose to lose His reputation with His society so that I could find peace and life in heavenly society. 

Prayer

Lord God, Father, All-Wise God, I don’t understand the pathways of faith You chose for Messiah, His earthly parents, His disciples, and all of us who follow Him now.  I do know that my “Yes” does not always lead me in easy and comfortable pathways.  More often than not, my “Yes” leads me into times of internal and external struggle, frustration and even suffering.   BUT, I trust You knowing that, if I accept, You will make the result worth the cost I pay. I believe that I never go alone when I choose to continue on the pathway of Your “Yes” regardless of the cost to me.  Give me courage to continue in Your “Yes” even when it challenges or terrifies me.  You are faithful to stay with me through it all.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Make it so.

Matthew 20:1-16 Phillips ^1-7 “For the kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer going out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. He agreed with them on a wage of a silver coin a day and sent them to work. About nine o’clock he went and saw some others standing about in the marketplace with nothing to do. ‘You go to the vineyard too,” he said to them, ‘and I will pay you a fair wage.’ And off they went. At about mid-day and again at about three o’clock in the afternoon he went and did the same thing. Then about five o’clock he went out and found some others standing about. ‘Why are you standing about here all day doing nothing?’ he asked them. ‘Because no one has employed us,’ they replied. ‘You go off into the vineyard as well, then,’ he said.

^8-12 “When evening came the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ So those who were engaged at five o’clock came up and each man received a silver coin. But when the first to be employed came they reckoned they would get more, but they also received a silver coin a man. As they took their money they grumbled at the farmer and said, ‘These last fellows have only put in one hour’s work and you’ve treated them exactly the same as us who have gone through all the hard work and heat of the day!’

^13-15 “But he replied to one of them, ‘My friend, I’m not being unjust to you. Wasn’t our agreement for a silver coin a day? Take your money and go home. It is my wish to give the latecomers as much as I give you. May I not do what I like with what belongs to me? Must you be jealous because I am generous?’  ¹⁶ “So, many who are the last now will be the first then and the first last.”

Luke 23:39-43 MSG  ³⁹ One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”

^40-41 But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.”

⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”

⁴³ He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

Observation

“So, many who are the last now will be the first then and the first last.”  This is a difficult concept for those of us raised in a competitive and performance-based culture.   Our culture teaches that the best at something deserve greater rewards and praise and the hardworking and diligent should earn more than those who labor less.   However, the two passages above say this is not necessarily God’s viewpoint.  Men who worked only an hour received the same pay as those who worked all day.  A criminal receiving his rightly deserved punishment reaches out in his last moments to Jesus and all is forgiven.   How is this fair?  It is not, but do we really want God to be strictly fair and give us what we deserve?

Both of these stories are about the nature of grace and the generosity of God Who freely dispenses that undeserved favor, stretching out His hand to rescue, and, when we sincerely repent, washing away sin through the sacrifice of Himself for us – regardless of our past, our sins, the hidden motives of our hearts, the length of our service.  Whether any of us wholly and faithfully submit to and serve the Lord for seventy years or 7 minutes, the one silver coin we are given for our repentance – and not anything else – is eternity with Him in Heaven.   What more could we want? 

Impact On Me

It is so easy when we serve the Lord for many years to drift into self-righteousness as in the stories of the indignant workers above, the older son in the Prodigal Son, the Pharisee and the Publican of Luke 18, and so many others.  Do I ever want to accuse God of being too generous with another after He has been so generous with me?  Our performance-based culture says our length and quality of service should be taken into account when rewards are handed out. 

If I am serving God, isn’t He the judge of what I receive for that service?  After all, it is only the generosity of God that allows any of us into His presence in the highest Heaven.  If God chooses to give all who repent and embrace salvation the same wages, isn’t Heaven His to give?  I will leave in His hands the determination of what I or anyone else receives on our investment in His service.

Ephesians 2:4-10 MSG  It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.

^7-10 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

Prayer

Father of Grace and Mercy, Messiah, the only just Judge, Heaven is enough for me.  I leave any reward for my service in Your hands. Let everything I do in Your name be the outflow of the love and grace I have received.  Give me Your eyes to see past behavior, forgetting the past, to the anguished soul so I, too, can rejoice when they embrace salvation. Seek and destroy those places in me where pride or cultural expectations may rise up to challenge the pure motives of my heart, the desires You have seeded in me to please You.  May I never look down on another and forget that You, Lord, are the only faithful and just judge, the only Savior, and that Heaven is enough whether I labor seventy years or 7 minutes.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.