Devotional
Luke Chapter 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Okay, I just want to jump aboard this train of thought for a moment or two:
Here we are with Mary, carrying the Christ Child and as Joseph, responsible for the well-being of his wife, pregnant with the Son of God.
Life certainly already threw so many curve balls at these two, all of which they handled through their faith in the Almighty.
The hits just keep on coming! Have you gone down THAT road? One issue clears up (or not) just in time for another to arise!
The estimation I got from my husband (let me know if you understand otherwise), of the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem was approximately 80 miles.
Just thinking about that trip makes me irritable, even sitting in a comfortable vehicle! Now let’s add on the reason, to pay TAXES! Adding even more on there, traveling pregnant!
Okay, now say we have FINALLY reached our destination, no easy task there! Way before hotels.com, Expedia or travel agents, so was there absolutely no way a room could have been available? Well, let’s see, Who orchestrated this journey, the Lord? Do you NOT think He could have made things a little easier on these two, after all, they were just following HIs will!
After such a strenuous trip, circumstances did not seem to improve for the newlyweds! One thing after another, but they persevered! How about raising other children in the same house as a Sinless Sibling?
Although the proclamations made before His birth, what must it have been like for Mary to hear of her Son’s claim to be the Son of God and watch the reaction of others to those statements?
Today there would have been suggestions to attend individual and family counseling as well as a tablet full of prescription medicines offered to all of them. (No insult intended for those ever in counseling, nor to anyone taking prescription medication).
If you find anywhere in the Scriptures saying that obeying the Lord is easy, please check your version! In John 16:33, the Word says 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I take up line after line just trying to make a point, and here, our Heavenly Father, in one sentence, is able to express encouragement, offer peace, warning, and consolation! Is He not the MOST AWESOME EVER!
Notice the wording, “SHALL”, not “might” or “possibly”! Therefore total dependence on His Word encourages obedience. We know that He is the Great Provider and that is not only for our physical needs, but spiritual and emotional as well.
“Abide”.. Take deliberate action in adhering to the Lord.
. verb: abide
comply with, obey, observe, follow, keep to, hold to, conform to, adhere to, stick to, stand by, act in accordance with, uphold, heed, accept, go along with, acknowledge, respect, defer to
PRAYER
Heavenly Father
Thank You for the day You have allowed us to live
We give praise for everything You have allowed into our lives
Lord, Only You could turn a trying situation into something used for Your glory
Let it be so in our lives, Precious God
For any praise we are given, let us turn it back to You
Without You we are nothing
We want to be used by You and for You
Lord, thank You for the sweet examples set by Mary and Joseph
Father, the entire experience could not have been easy
From Mary’s acceptance to follow Your will
To Joseph’s heart as he took her as his wife and cared for her
He assumed the role of Jesus’ earthly father
And the responsibilities that involved
Neither of them completely understanding
Yet walking in obedience
Thank You for that Beautiful Baby Boy
Who came to bear our sins
Who is preparing a place for us
To join together one glorious day!
In our hearts
We fall before You, Mighty God
Let the same tongues that cry out for mercy
Recall Your goodness
And sing Your praises!
Things do not have to go well for You to be Great, Lord
Let our lives bear testimony, regardless of our circumstances
Be we in a time of feast or famine, please give us hearts of praise!
Father, please have mercy on those who have no beds to sleep in tonight
Who do not sit by a Christmas tree in their own home
Instead, huddle inside cardboard boxes or fearfully cling to a cot inside a shelter
Lord, let us be thankful for popcorn and cola
Rather than being filled with regret and sorrow that our children sit beside us cold and malnourished
There are truly so many things to be thankful for, Lord. Open our eyes and our hearts to love, not judge others!
Show us where and how we can project You and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. Let us step out in obedience and recognize what You call us to do, even if it is so far out of our comfort zone, we know where You want us to be, You will never abandon us!
In the Beautiful Name of Jesus,
Amen
(4) Songs:
Trust and Obey
Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
Count Your Blessings
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Credit: Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Scripture
YouTube, Webster dictionary online, kjv bible online,
Praying mom and dad, supportive family and friends
