Go With Haste To Hear The Promise

Luke 2:16-20 KJV: Go with haste to hear the promise fulfilled by that baby born in a manger.

Share The Message Of Salvation

Matthew 1:20-21; 3rd Sunday in Advent 2023; Go and tell. 

The Beloved Son Forgives

Genesis 50:15-21 KJV; 16th Sunday after Pentecost; The beloved sons forgive. Joseph forgave his brothers. Jesus forgives us.

The Shepherds Told What They Had Seen

Luke 2:8-17 KJV; The Shepherds Told What They Had Heard And Seen. Jesus, the child born in Bethlehem is our Savior and Lord.

Paying Taxes

Luke 2:1,4-5 KJV: In this world paying taxes is as inevitable as being born and dying. But, in the Kingdom of God neither exists. 

Saved For A Good Purpose

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

                                                                 (Gen 45:3-8 KJV)

Joseph was favored by his father and that made his brothers jealous enough to sell him into slavery. If we went no further with this story than the betrayal by his brothers it would seem like a very bad thing. But, God did not intend for Joseph to be a slave. His purpose was for Joseph to become a leader. He intended to use Joseph to save the people, including the same brothers who sold him, from death by starvation. Joseph forgave his brothers who betrayed him. He forgave and saved them.

Jesus was also sold by Judas. He was betrayed by many. His followers; his disciples deserted him. His suffering was great. Yet, there was a good purpose. His suffering was for our good. That purpose was so that we might be saved from the power of death. 

When his friend, Lazarus, died, Jesus had reassured Lazarus' sister, Martha, that Lazarus would live.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:25-27)

No matter how bad things may seem at any given time, know that God has a good plan for those who love him. (Rom 8:28) In the years to come those who love him will look back to today and see that God led you them these rough times to a better place even a marvelous place.

Be comforted with the knowledge that God is with you and he has a good plan for your life. He will lead you to a better place through valleys of the shadow of death, through green pastures, beside still waters. His goodness and mercy will be with you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  (Psalm 23)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Taxed

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

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:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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. 

                                                           (Luke 2:1,3-7 KJV)

It is that time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Unfortunately, it is also that time of year when it's time to start thinking about paying income taxes.  It can be a taxing time for many. It is not unheard of to receive a letter after paying your taxes that you need to send another check because the IRS has decided that you owe more taxes and unless  you have a lot of time to find all the paperwork you need and the money to pay for a tax lawyer you really are going to have to pay it whether you owe it or not or you could end up having even your home taken from you. I remember hearing something about an unfair tax on tea before this country was born. It ended up in a party known as the Boston Tea Party. 

Joseph and very pregnant Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be taxed. Caesar had declared that the whole world had to go to their hometowns to be taxed. That sounds like madness to me. But, God had another plan.  Jesus was born during that tax paying journey in Bethlehem as had been prophesied. God turned a bad thing into a good thing.

During this season and everyday let us rejoice for the good things that God has given us in confidence that no matter what happens God has a good plan for you.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

Trust the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Joseph Believed The Word

He believed the word of the Lord brought
to him by the angel of the Lord.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

You're going to be a father even though you are not the father! Can you imagine what was going through Joseph's mind when he found out that Mary was pregnant? Yet, Joseph trusted; he believed the words of the angel of the Lord and took Mary and the child to be his family. 

Being a parent is a big responsibility; but, being the parent to the Son of God! How big of a responsibility is that!?

Joseph knew that this child that he and Mary would raise would inevitably save God's people from their sins.  Not only a big responsibility for the people who would raise him; but, how confusing that must have seemed. How would this child save them? What would the child's future be like? What would their lives be like? 

Anyone who finds themselves about to be a parent might have similar concerns no matter how joyful they might be over the upcoming event. Will I be a good parent? Hopefully, those who ask this question understand and are willing to give more of themselves to raise the child. Sometimes, it calls for a change in lifestyles or where one lives; even where one might work. Sometimes and usually bringing children into the world means we must be less selfish and make the children's needs over our own desires. 

Thanks be to God for picking Joseph to be the father of Jesus! Joseph was willing because he trusted in the word of the Lord brought to him by the angel of the Lord.

May God help us to trust the Lord's promises. 

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Isa 54:13 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

God Calls The Lowly

 

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

                                                                                      (1 Cor 1:26-31 KJV)

David a mere shepherd boy; the youngest in his family, was chosen by God to be king over Israel. 

Joseph, the youngest son of Israel was despised by his older brothers. They sold him into slavery. Yet, God had a plan for Joseph. Although, he began his life as a slave in Egypt he became the second most powerful man in all of Egypt saving the country including his brothers who had betrayed him from starvation. 

And... there in a time when women were nothing we find Deborah leading the Israelite army and defeating the Canaanites. Yet, it was not Deborah who defeated the enemy. Deborah gave the honor and glory to God for making them victorious. 

God can and does use some of the least expected of people to save the people.  He sent Jesus to us to be born of humble beginnings; born of a virgin, born in a barn, to save the world. Even as an adult he had no place of his own to call home. (Luke 9:58)  He and his disciples stayed wherever someone would invite them in. He lorded over nothing in this world; yet, he is the Lord of all. 

All glory belongs to God! Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. According to words of Jesus: 

"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

                                                                                       (Matt 23:11-12)

The disciples also wanted to be first in Jesus' life. They let their egos take charge of them and they argued about who among them were the greatest. 

"But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." 

                                                                                        (Mark 9:34-35)

God calls whom He will call and most often he does not call those who depend on or glory in their titles and their own honor. He calls those who trust in Him. He most often calls those who the world would least expect to lead them. He calls those who are willing to serve Him and not themselves.

The last shall be first and those who place themselves first in this world; above all; better than others, shall in the end be last. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Together We Celebrate The Birth

Gather to Worship
(Heb 10:24-25)

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Unlike the shepherds we don't have to get off our couches to celebrate the birth of Christ this year. There doesn't have to be any traveling. We don't have to go to far. Thanks to COVID restrictions many will be making haste to their computer screens this evening and/or tomorrow morning to watch the celebration of the birth of Christ, the one who has made us free to live as children of God. They will be watching. But, there will be no live participation; no interaction. Maybe some will join in the hymns of praise from their living rooms; but, probably not many. 

Many, more fortunate, will also be celebrating the birth of the Son of God in the traditional manner; within congregations, as they glorify and sing praises in the company of other Christians. St. Paul encouraged us to gather together often: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25) 

If you can, go and gather with others to celebrate the birth of our King! But, I hope that no matter where you are observing the birth of our savior from, like the shepherds, you will go and make known to others the good news of this miracle by praising and giving glorify to God in word and deed. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Miracles

Taxation: A Good Thing

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

                                                                                    (Luke 2:1-5 KJV)

It's that time of the year again. My email has been bombarded with advertisements from TurboTax. Yes, the Christmas season will soon be upon us; but, so will the dreaded tax season. 

Although my grandchildren do because they usually get every penny that the government took back, I don't know a lot of people who enjoy doing their taxes. Those who have to pay in after those taxes are done usually are not too excited about it. Nor are we too excited about where our tax money sometimes goes. But, taxes are a part of life. Some form of taxation has been a part of life for just about forever.

Because of the Caesar Augustus' taxation decree Mary and Joseph ended up just where they were supposed to be, according to the prophecies, when Jesus was born. I imagine very few people appreciated having to travel to their home towns to pay this tax. Of course a few may have appreciated the opportunity to see family members they hadn't seen in a long time just as a funeral often brings people who haven't seen each other in a long time together. 

Benjamin Franklin wrote: "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." This is true. The world will face both. Whether this Caesar's taxation edict was a good thing or a bad thing probably depended on the individual. Today, it depends on whether we trust God and His plan for us or not. 

There was a time when I felt something close to fear of doing my taxes and of the IRS. But, there came a point in my life when I realized that even if I messed up the taxes nothing that I should fear would actually occur. After all, what can be done that could extinguish the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God? 

St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:35:39)

In Joseph's and Mary's day the journey was probably a hardship for many. But, for all who believe in Jesus Christ it turned out to be a good thing for that journey to pay their taxes was necessary in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled. 

When things don't seem to be going the way we desire; when such things as taxes and death interfere in our lives we can still rejoice for as St. Paul wrote: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Joseph: The Man Who Raised Jesus

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

Today we consider and give thanks for Joseph, the man who raised Jesus even though he was not his father.

In todays world it is not uncommon for one or both parents to have higher priorities than to raise their own children. Too many are more concerned about their own happiness than their children's well-being. There are better things to do with their income than to use it to help support their offspring. There are parents who do actually live in the same home with the children; but, make very few attempts to actually raise them. The children are pretty much on their own and sometimes even end up being the caretakers for their parents. 

Children are precious gifts from God. According to the Psalmist:

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 

                                                                                          (Psalm 127:3-4)

Joseph had every legal reason to leave Mary and her unborn son. But, he did not. He stayed so that she would not be put to shame. He stayed and gave her Son an earthly father.

God grant that parents all around the world would not neglect their responsibilities but do the best that they can to raise the children in the way that they should go.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Word Is True! Listen To Him!

O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. (Isa 25:1 KJV)

Whatever God says, it happens. He spoke and all things were created. He promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. This, too, has happened. He told Moses to lift up his staff and the seas would be parted so that the children of Israel could escape. And, they did. 

Through Isaiah was heard the promise: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isa 7:14) 

The Gospel according to St. Luke testifies to that same promise of old:

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 

                                                                          (Luke 1:26-27, 30-35)

It was promised. It was done. At both the baptism of Jesus and later on the mountain where he was transfigured we hear these words from out of no where or everywhere: "This is my beloved Son."

The Word of God is true. It would behoove us to listen to Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

What's To Become Of The Child?

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.   (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Mary pondered this miracle birth; this miracle baby in heart. That's what mothers tend to do. Ponder the lives of their children in their hearts. They wonder if they will raise their children to grow up in the way they wish them to grow. They wonder if they have it in them to be good mothers. They wonder what their child will grow up to do or to be. Mothers who love their children ponder these things in their hearts. They love their children. They worry about them. They pray for them.

What sadness Mary would have known if she had known what would become of this beautiful baby boy cradled in her arms. He would grow up to be hanged on a cross for her sake and for the sake of all people. He would live very few years into adulthood and be executed for the crimes; the sins, of others.

While the shepherds shared the news of this birth of our Savior, Mary pondered these things within her heart. During this Christmas Holy Day may we all ponder the wonderful things that God in Christ Jesus has done for us!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Taxes

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 KJV)

Thanks be to God that we don't have to travel far distances to be taxed! Taxes are an inevitable part of life. There are property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes and all sorts of other sundry taxes. They cause can stress and worry for  people.

Income tax season is fast approaching. Along with the season comes the concern whether you are going to have enough money to be able to pay the income tax on April 15th when the income taxes come due. Then, there is always the question as to whether they were done accurately and if you might end up talking to the tax collectors. 

Taxes are as inevitable as life and death to this world. However, thanks be to God for all who believe death has no power of us. In Christ Jesus we have eternal life. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Not For God Has A Plan

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

Joseph hears that his fiancee' is pregnant and not by him! Yet, the angel tells him not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife. God has a plan. It is a good plan.

Today, many men will marry a woman who is pregnant for another's child. They are not afraid to raise the child as their own. But, it was not so in the days of Joseph and Mary. Mary could have been stoned for carrying the child. Joseph did the right thing. He listened to the angel of the Lord and took Mary to be his wife and Jesus to be his son.

The faithful need not worry when things get rough. We do not have to be afraid. I know. It is natural to worry when things go awry. But, we don't have to. No matter what happens we can trust that God has a plan; a good plan for all who love him. (Rom 8:28)

May God bless you with the knowledge of His great love for you evidenced by the life and death of our Savior Jesus the Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Go and Tell!

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:16-20 NRSV)

The shepherds did not waste any time. When they heard about this miracle child they went and saw him for themselves and then they went and told what they had seen to others.

What has God shown you? What miracles have you beheld? When was the last time you shared the story about our miraculous and awesome God with others? 

During this Advent and Christmas season; above all other times of the year, we have been given the opportunity to share the Good News that accompanies the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Go and tell, glorifying God for this precious child!

May your Christmas and New Year be filled with hope, love, joy, and peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Going Home

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 NIV)

Joseph took his fiancé, to his hometown so that they could be counted in the census. While there she gave birth to Jesus. 

When our children were young and we lived far from our hometown; but, we often went home for Christmas. My husband called it home, anyway. I did not. Wherever I lived is where I had always considered home. 

We moved a lot over the last 47 years. I no longer even consider the place we live in as home. Over these many long years I have developed a desire to go home; but, not to an earthly home. My true home is the home that Jesus has prepared for me and for all who believe in him. (John 14:2-4)

Paul wrote to the Philippians: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

The world may require us to participate in census' so they can keep track of who lives where. It is pretty necessary for us to have physical addresses of some sort. (Although, not everyone does.) But, as Christians, we will recognize that our true home is in the Kingdom that was opened for us by the one who was born to that couple traveling to their hometown so long ago.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Is With You!

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26-28 NRSV)

Can you just imagine! What a fearful moment it would be to have an angel come to you visibly and speak to you. You hear the words: "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." Fear and joy are commingled.

The Mary visitation will not be repeated. There can only be one mother of Jesus. But, you have received the promise of being a favored one. You have received the promise that the Lord is with you. 

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

"...And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)

Rejoice! Beloved child of God, the Lord is with you!

God's Peace - Pr. J