Re:Verse reading–Luke 2:1-20 (day five)
“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.” Luke 2:7
The God who created the world, who orchestrated a census (for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem), could have certainly provided a room in an inn. In His sovereignty, God rules over hotel occupancies. Then, why not a room? That was not His will. From start to finish, the birth, life, and death of Jesus would be identified with hardship, poverty, and suffering. Listen to Jesus’ words: John 15:20 “A slave is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;”. Luke 9:59 “And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”. Paul explains it clearly, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”2 Corinthians 8:9
The road to Calvary begins in a stable in Bethlehem.
I can imagine the road to Calvary was all uphill and it was part of God’s plan for Jesus and for all of us. In life, we will experience plots, betrayals, denials, and all other forms of sufferings, but in the end, I hope what we have experienced or will experience will be temporary and is part of God’s master plan for all human beings!
We never understand God’s plan but from my perspectives, we can learn through Jesus, how He managed and built His relationships with God and others during His Ministry, and how He managed His sufferings. His spiritual death leads a spiritual life for those who believe in Jesus and His cause!
God created the difference between humans and animals and gave us, human beings, an eternal life if we choose to follow His plan for us. We can see the unseen and have the ability to think and to make a difference for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our surroundings. Good things always come out from a suffering, whatever it is! There is a lesson learned from each suffering!
Jesus led the way for us to be righteous with our creator, God and for us to have an eternal life. His sufferings and the cause of His death should be a reminder for us all. Suffering is part of life and of our existence. It is part of God’s plan on earth for us.
His love for the least among human beings is unimaginable. His servant leadership is worth to follow. His leadership attributes should help guide build our relationship with others. Jesus is good news to all! His birth is good news! I am so thankful for Jesus’ birth and His examples during His Ministry. He taught us what love really means!
I look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth with family and friends, with followers of Christ and with FBCSA.
Also, watch the On the Road to Calvary
https://youtu.be/rK6Cy4jlsbk
Very moving!!