Receive God’s Gift
Matthew 1:18-20, 24-25; Luke 1:28-31, 34-38
Believe the unbelievable. Sometimes that is what obedience to God demands. It challenges us to face fears that are overwhelming and to trust God. We celebrate the coming of Christmas with joy and expectation. The experience was different for Mary and Joseph. The birth of the Christ child brought fear, questions, and challenges.
The angels that approached Joseph (Matthew 1:18-20) and Mary (Luke 1:28-31) began their announcement with “Fear not.” This phrase appears 75 times in the Old Testament. It is spoken reassurance from God to those commissioned by Him. Mary and Joseph had need of reassurance. Mary’s reputation, livelihood and life were at stake on a pregnancy she could neither explain nor understand. Joseph’s standing and character were staked upon a woman heavy with a child whom he did not conceive.
The angels’ explanations were unbelievable, even unimaginable. Yet, God told them to not be troubled. You can almost hear the Holy Spirit whisper, “Trust me.”
Every follower of Jesus is commissioned by God. We are given the task of making disciples in every nation. Individually God calls us to fulfill specific purposes within His overall design to redeem the world. These assignments can raise questions. Joseph internally deliberated on what was asked of him (Matt. 1:20) and Mary questioned her appointment (Luke 1:34-37). Her question was answered by a simple, yet challenging statement: “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Joseph and Mary were confronted with a choice: Obey, or disobey. They obeyed (Matthew 1:24-25; Luke 1:38), and the world changed forever. Their response led to a hard life of public ridicule, persecution, exile, and the horrible crucifixion and death of the child they bore. I imagine when Mary reflected on the experience 30 years later, after the glorious resurrection of her crucified son, she could not conceive of a better way to have expended her life for her God.
As you have moments of conversation with God this Christmas season, consider the challenges that faced this couple 2,000 years ago. It was not an assignment taken lightly. Then consider how God is calling you to bless your community, your nation, and your world with the blessings He has given you. Believe the unbelievable. Deliberate and ask questions. But most of all, trust and obey.
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former director of missions for Savannah River Association.