Today’s reading: Luke 2 NASB
SCRIPTURE
“ Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” -Luke 2:1-20 NASB
OBSERVATION
I’ve heard this story countless times. And if I’m to be 100% honesty - to some unknown degree to me our western culture has transformed this precious story about God into a common folklore. Taking a most precious story about God’s love, hope, & grace -- and giving it a common place as if it was a mere children’s story. This story is so much more than a mere children’s story. It the Bible was read verse bye verse and not skimmed through it’s modern day rating would be “PG-13” if not “R”. What? Why? Battle’s, bloodshed, anger, hate, deception, love, reconciliation, unity, etc.... Honestly, if it was told / read within that light - IT’S CAPTIVATING! However, at most churches it’s dumbed down, censored.... Why? I’m not sure...
Okay, now what? - What comes next? In the midst of my pondering, I hear the words of a trusted friend Richard Berry, “what’s the better question....” If I’m are attempting to take something that is common and make it precious again what questions do I need to ask and have answered?
How did this happened?
That good - but I think there is a better question.
How can we not allow precious things to become common?
That’s also great question.
What was God’s purpose in sending His son?
Now that’s a question worth exploring! What was God’s purpose in sending His son?
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” - John 3:16-17
“Not to perish” it not merely physical death as we think of it. The greek text communicates a much bigger picture. One the takes in a physical aspect of death but focuses on the aspect of eternal separation. So that “to perish” or “to die” would accurately be interpreted as to be separated forever / eternally separated and “eternal life” would then also convoy a principle of eternally being with the one that supplies life.
What answers to my question can I establish from this text?
God’s purpose in sending His son was for me:
- to not be eternally separate from Him (“not perish / die”)
- to be eternally with the giver or source of life.
Another text I need to look at in attempting to answer my question is:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law & the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” -Matthew 5:17
What is the Law or the Prophets?
The Law, is the whole body of the Mosaic legislation - 28+ laws are given through out the 1st five books of the bible (called the Torah) including the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:3-17 (look them up).
What answers to my question can I establish from this text?
-God’s purpose in sending His son was for us to fulfill the Law & the Prophets; so that, we would not have to be conscious of our failure to keep God’s commands.
So, why is it important to us that Christ fulfilled the Law?
-Because the Law demands for me to make a payment for each law or command I’ve broken and face the terrible consequences wrath of God -- possibly eternal separation from Him.
-In modern terminology for not honoring God, would be translated - “breaking the law” or “sin”
James 4:17 defines “sin” as “to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
As an individual I live by the gracious judgment of God declared from heaven, so the sentence of the Law is overruled and reversed. “He that believe on the Son has eternal life” -John 3:36.
Once the Gospel has been received by an individual and they discover an eternal peace from death and the terrors of hell, the Spirit’s influence is felt. By no means am I saying that I will stop wrestling with the issues life tosses at us. It’s through the issues that God preciously invites me into a genuine growing relationship - one that involves all the ups, downs, and aspects of a relationship. Its through my relationship with Him that His Law begins to live in mankind’s heart; I begin to loves it, delight in it. It’s through the point relationship that Eternal life begins here, and continues as I journey through out this life.
APPLICATION
When I open God’s word I often need to take the “Perspective” of a student sitting at the feet & learning from master teachers - struggling to not allow their voices to fall on deaf ears - fighting to not allow God’s word become “common story” when it holds a key with eternal significance. What can I walk away with?
A question. A daily challenge. How am I going to make my relationship with God “Precious” / “Valued” verses just another common thing I do?
PRAYER
I’m amazing at the simplicity and priceless work You accomplished on the Cross. Thank you, for speaking directly to me as I choose to sit at Your feet - thank you for empowering me (us) with the incredible gift of “freewill.” Help me daily aline my heart, my mind, and my life to You - Jesus. Help me make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU. Continue to refine and guidance my heart & mind - thank you for being a God that daily gives me great life lessons. Honestly, YOUR word is one of the most difficult books to read and at the same time the MOST REWARDING - Thanks. - Trevor
