“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirnius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” – Luke 2:1-5
#4 – God uses people to accomplish His purposes
Remember the old series of jokes that started with “How many people does it take to change a light bulb”? As we read Scripture it becomes evident that whenever God is on the move He uses people to bring His plans together. Whether it is something miraculous or a simple word of encouragement God’s always goes to His human tool box to bring about His will. Why? That sure wouldn’t be my first choice if I wanted to get something done. Oh yeah…remember yesterdays blog? Yes, even though God is perfectly capable of doing His work and certainly able to do it exactly the way He wants it, He still chooses to work through us…His imperfect, weak and often distracted people.
The Christmas story is no exception. In Luke’s well known introduction we are given a behind the scenes look at God lining up people and circumstances to bring about the wonderful story we hold so dear.
“How many people does it take to bring the Messiah into the world?”
Luke lets us know that God was using a wide variety of folks to bring about this blessed event. From the most well known King to an unknown carpenter. From a foreign political governor to a fearful pregnant girl. God organized them, called them, and influenced them like a Master Designer.
God uses people to accomplish His purposes.
Know this today, God wants you to be a part of His continuing plan of redeeming this world to Himself. As sure as He invited Mary and Joseph to participate, He is inviting you and I. Why? I cannot explain it. But in His all knowing and all powerful will He chooses to include us. I cannot tell you why…His ways are not are ways, but I can tell you this much…He loves us and He has created us for a relationship with Him. And one of the many facets of that relationship is to be an instrument in His hands…an Ambassador of His grace…a “manger” that is home to the Savior and displays His splendor for the world to see.