When God Says …
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:4-5 KJV).
This journey that Joseph embarked with his pregnant “betrothed” wife Mary, was mandated by Caesar Augustus's census requiring people to register in their ancestral cities. With these passages, we now start to travel with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God. These verses set the basics of their extraordinary saga. They took a trip south from their home and went to Bethlehem which was called the city of King David. They’re pledged in marriage but not yet consummated in observance with true tenet of marriage. Mary was pregnant, and they went to comply and register with the Roman government.
Intrigue and scandal ripple between the lines of this simple account. Promise and fulfillment are strongly demonstrated with the unfolding connection. Faithfulness through the midst of storm is displayed. A real historical context for everyday people is made with the presence of a Roman census. Scandal, promise, faithfulness, and history collide. Jesus enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves — a place of hope and dreams marred by retro and disappointment. He will be a people's Messiah. We know it before he is even born. It makes us love him and appreciate him more. God has chosen to enter our world as one of us, not as some pristine and untouched alien from beyond. This is the Messiah we can reach and follow. This Jesus is one of us.
“For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:16-18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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