“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 2:7 There were probably many stables in and near Bethlehem, so how did the shepherds know where to go to find the Baby Jesus? The sheep that these shepherds were watching were the ones from which the unblemished lambs were chosen for the sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem. No doubt the place where the newborn lambs were placed was well-known to the shepherds. So, when the angel told them…
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15 Surprise and wonderment can occur at the turn of a single word. When I was preparing to teach a Bible study this week this scripture, that I’ve read many times, stood out to me. God said, “I WILL,” not “YOU WILL.” Oftentimes when we do something wrong we are the ones that have to make it right. But, here in Genesis, when Adam and Eve fail miserably, God didn’t say “you need to figure a solution on your own.” Instead, God said, “I WILL” make a way and pave a path toward salvation. Genesis 3:15 is full of mystery and intrigue, as a conquering promise is given to Eve over a scheming menace, whom we refer to as the serpent. The Hebrew Bible has more to offer than a few beautifully depicted sentences; it has hope, love, and abundant life. Redemption for Humanity Genesis 3:15 is a prophecy that elucidates a plan of redemption for all humanity. This scripture explains that God would manifest Himself in flesh (John 1:14), be born of…
“He restorth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3. The holidays can be wonderful, but so exhausting at the same time. Psalm 23 has so many insightful lessons to learn within its six verses. The above verse says the Lord will lead us—not drag or shove. The word “lead” means to guide or bring to a place of rest. We often get so stressed out because we are not allowing God to lead us beside the still waters. This Psalm sounds like the most wonderful place in the world. When, if ever, is the last time you have ever lied down in a green pasture next to a peaceful stream? Take me there right now. It has been a long time since I’ve been far away from cell phone towers and the clamor of the city. It is good to evaluate how much noise is in our lives and ask ourselves, can I hear the voice of God? God is talking all of the time—even when He is silent, He is still communicating with us. We need to get to the place where we are calm and have assurance when things…
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2 When the wise men saw the star that was prophesied in Micah 5:2, they were elated to know that the King of kings had finally arrived. Because they were looking for a King, they traveled to the Jewish capital city of Jerusalem and knocked on King Herod’s door. They were expecting an earthly Kingdom representative. King Herod was troubled by their inquiry and felt threatened that another king was thought to be reigning…
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30–32, NIV. God gave Simeon an incredible promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. He lived every day with the anticipation that He was going to see His Savior face to face. The moment Simeon saw Jesus, He knew that he was looking at salvation for the entire world. He extols God and declares the far-reaching purpose Jesus has to the nation of Israel and to the Gentiles. Jesus’ sphere of influence extends beyond the borders of Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Luke 2:22–40 abolishes any kind of limitation placed on economic, racial, and gender inequalities by promoting the inclusion of all nations to receive salvation and redemption. These scriptures focus on the veracity of God’s love by speaking through Simeon (and Anna), establishing a universal gospel to be preached to the whole world by revealing who Jesus is; the light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. This…
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7, NIV. This year may look a lot different for you and your family, I know it does for me. Perhaps there are fewer Christmas presents under your tree than your kids are accustomed to or maybe you have endured a loss and will be spending Christmas without a loved one, and you already feel the loneliness kicking in. Or, maybe this holiday season is full of laughter and God’s blessings are in abundance. As I was scrolling Pinterest the other day I came across a quote, I don’t remember what I got for Christmas when I was 6 or 10. I do remember the smell of the kitchen on Christmas morning. I remember counting the marshmallows my dad put in my cocoa. I remember waking up, giving my parents a hug, and feeling magic. Remember, it’s the memories that make the magic, not the gifts. Whichever scenario you find yourself in this year, I hope you know that you are enough—and Jesus is more than enough. There’s so much pressure around the holidays to preform and deliver, but keep in mind…