Devotional
for the Week - 17 December 2007
Enough
to say Yes!
Scripture Text: Matthew
1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.
"May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:39)
Introduction
When we ponder the birth of Jesus, we realise that the events
leading up to it were hardly serene. After all, Joseph and
Mary were caught in a difficult situation by the time the
first Christmas night came along. They’d just been
through:
| 1)
|
near-stoning
due to Mary’s pre-marital pregnancy, |
| 2)
|
shame
upon their households due to wrong assumptions of the
nature of their relationship, and |
| 3)
|
the
arduous long distance travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem,
Joseph’s hometown because of the census by Augustus
Caesar. |
Even
with seconds to go just before the birth of Jesus, Joseph
and Mary had no place to go. Based on all these events,
it is possible for many to wonder if this is the way for
all who say yes to the Lord.
The
Difficult Yet Purposeful Journey
We may have gone through something similar. For instance,
we may have said “yes” to speaking about God’s
truth only to have to deal with our loved ones falling terminally
ill. We may have said “yes” to going on a mission
but ended up losing our job. We may have said “yes”
to God’s call into full time ministry but ended up
fighting internal fires rather than reaching the lost. All
these are real situations. In these circumstances, we may
find ourselves questioning why the way ahead is so tough
when we do say “yes”. After all, doesn’t
obedience deserve blessings & protection of sorts?
As
disciples of Christ, it is inevitable that we will face
difficulties in our walk. In John 16:21-22, Jesus himself
likens these difficulties to that of a woman giving birth
but who forgets all her pain when her child is born. This
was the case for Joseph and Mary. Even in their anguish,
they focused on the joy and the promise of a child who would
be so valuable and worthy. This made their sufferings insufficient
to detract them from the path of obedience unto God in their
life mission. In fact, it is possible that it was the very
description of the boy-child, as revealed by the angels
that made them say “yes”.
Joseph
is told that (1) the child is to save us
from our sins (Matthew 1:21). Mary on the other hand, is
told that (2) the child would be great
(Luke 1:32), divine (Luke 1:32), (3) kingly
in descent (Luke 1:32) and will be (4) a
highly successful king (Luke 1:33).
Let
us look at these in detail:
(1)
Savior - (Matthew 1:21)
The meaning of Savior should not be taken to mean a trouble
free life. We must realise that first and foremost, Jesus
came to save us from the condemnation of our sins. In fact,
from scripture we realise that storms in life are inevitable
(Matthew 7:25, 27). But the Lord has promised to be with
us through all storms of water or fire. (Isaiah 43:2 -3,
Daniel 3:27, Genesis 8:1)
(2)
Emmanuel, God With Us - (Luke 1:32)
While John the Baptist is also called ‘great’
(Luke 1:15) and ‘Prophet of the Most High’(Luke
1:76), Jesus is known as Son of the Most High (God), indicating
His divinity. The boy-child Mary was carrying is not a mere
mortal - but the Son of God. The divine identity of this
child, makes us aware that He is God unlike the mortal Moses,
Elijahs and Davids of the past. They were all notable and
cherished leaders of biblical Israel but were, nevertheless,
not all-knowing or all-powerful like Emmanuel (Isaiah 7).
In
spite of His status and power, Jesus came to personally
deal with us, as regards our salvation. Let us all be encouraged
that when we suffer for His sake, we do not suffer alone.
He is Emmanuel - God with us - even in our trying moments.
(3)
Davidic Kingship (Luke 1:32)
Linking Jesus to the throne of David, directly linked him
as the Messianic King of prophecy. (Cf: 2 Samuel 7:12,14).
The angel’s words as recorded in Luke link Him with
a promise made long ago to King David, thereby providing
direct affirmation to Mary that the baby she was carrying
was the fulfillment of this prophecy.
(4)
Everlasting Kingdom (Luke 1:33)
This indicates that this boy-child will be the be-all and
end-all solution, for He comes to fulfill the throne of
David amongst God’s people forever. Since His kingdom
will last forever then He is absolutely sovereign. If Jesus
is the eternal King, this means safety and protection for
those who are called His subjects- for He will never be
deposed or overcome.
Conclusion
Knowing who Jesus would be was enough for Joseph and Mary
to embark that long journey. Like them, we can also be encouraged
to know that we are safe in His hands. If our Lord is calling
us to obey, let us not be afraid. Instead, let us take courage
in His eternal promises and His goodness and embark with
expectancy on the journey.
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, You know the plans that You have for me,
plans to prosper me, to give me a future and hope. Lord,
no matter the difficulties, let me obey and abide in You.
Let me never forget that You are truly sovereign and I need
not be afraid of the storms that may come my way. I thank
You for Your everlasting love, and the promise of Your presence.
Devotional
based on a message by Pastor Joel Yong