Luke 2:1-7
Today, as I start writing this devotional, Sept. 30th, my real estate taxes are due. I will jump in my car and drive a couple miles down the road to hand over my payment with joy (another testimony of God's deliverance). But in my Scripture, here today, Joseph and Mary traveled approximately 90 miles, probably on foot, or possibly on a donkey, to be taxed in Bethlehem. Mary, we are told, was great with child. "So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to 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." God has shown me that this young couple was committing their lives and family to God.
First, they journeyed from the heathen nation of Galilee to Bethlehem, to be assessed and taxed, as the census required. Letting God assess us, and show us our due, is important. This had to be a very humble walk, but I see it as a prayer walk for the future that laid before them. Step by step, commitment and trust in God was their only hope, to lead them through life as a family. And while they were there, completely committed to the Lord, the baby came. Deliverance! Their Son, Jesus was born, and the first thing done, was to wrap Him in swaddling clothes. I remember my mom telling me that she always prayed that she would be a good wife and good mother, and that she was. Here, I also see the same desire in this young wife and mother. The swaddling clothes were strips of linen cloth that they wrapped the child in, piece by piece, prayer by prayer. This child would be kept warm and knowing the secure place that God had given him; two God-loving parents that were trusting God through every situation in life, to direct their paths. My mother's life-long Scripture was: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:56
The child is then gently and lovingly laid in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. These parents recognized the importance of the manger and the daily feeding of God's Word. God made the place for this new family, apart from the inn, separate from the hustle and bustle of the frantic, busy, chaos in this world. A world that is full of advice and activities that will in short time, no doubt, break apart the family, as they run here and there, looking for deliverance. Joseph and Mary wanted better for their family. They wanted a family unit set in God's holy order, separated from worldly chaos, to be alive, growing, flourishing, and truly blessed by God. This family would now go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit of God, to reveal to the world, the wonderful works of God, and to call others to the same. And it did come to pass. Amen and amen.
~ Ruth Ann Ward
