Luke Chap. 2.

Okay, so we are officially on chapter 2 of Luke, and we’ve just so happened to come across the Christmas story JUST as we are entering into the Christmas season. No this was not planned, however it’s definitely timely.

Chapter 2 really sets the scene of the time, by making reference to the Roman Empire: ~LUKE2”1 ‘At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman empire.’ The lesson  learnt from this was:

When it’s the will of God, and you have a heart for God, things will fall in place.

Augustus had no idea that he was part of the Orchestration of Gods plan to see His Son down to earth. He was actually quite-the arrogant man, like most of the Roman Emperors, he allowed himself to be worshiped as a God. And he did not fear the true Living God.

In other words … he’s not on our team.

But that did not stop God using him to perfect His plans and purposes.  The prophet Micah wrote about the geographical location where The Messiah would be placed on earth :

‘But you O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant path.’  ~MICAH5”2

The little town of Bethlehem was chosen to be the center of the World for one night and  eternity.

Why?

Because ‘… God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who THINK they are wise …so that no one can ever boast in His presence’ 1COR1”27+29.

-          We think we are wise , and we think we know it all , when the truth is … humans don’t even know everything about the human body, the entire concept of science is trying to get our heads around these things, we don’t know a 1/10th of our galaxy . - What makes us humans think we can try to understand The One – Our God who created it all?

I’ve seen this a lot in the Bible, the stories that I have heard from childhood, and the personalities behind many of the characters, all carry similar themes.

 God uses the small, the weak, the outcast and the unexpected to change the world. I have previously spoken about the disciples, they were just ordinary people (look here for more on them). David was thrown out onto the fields every day, Ruth was a widow, Esther an orphan, and these are just some of the people God loves to use.

Now if you consider yourself privileged, don't think your out of the equation.

 God looks at the heart, and I guess its just that people who have experienced broken moments in their life realise their incapability, weaknesses, and their need for God more than many others.

~ Its the spirit that God looks for , and that is one of humility.

"A meek and a contrite [humble] heart, O God, You will not refuse"

-PSALMS51"17

 We must strive and earnestly have faith to be the sort of people who will never claim glory for themselves, but will always...and I mean ALWAYS direct it back to God because Jesus is the reason for all good things.

-          And don’t you forget it.

 This is also emphasised by the next section in the chapter which focuses on the Shepherds – the first group of people to come and see Baby Jesus! – Now. If fishermen were at-all looked down on in 5BC (or thereabouts...) then Shepherds were really looked down on. They were minding their own and working in the night when suddenly a breakthrough from heaven to earth appears outta-nowhere!

 ~ LUKE2”9 ‘… They were terribly frightened’ (you betcha). But here we see the amazing hand of God, reaching out to the (probably) socially rejected men who were just doing their job. And God is in that business. He loves surprising those who feel like their lives are plain and mundane. He loves humility and the humble hearts of shepherd men were perfect.

 They came to see Baby Jesus and told Mary and Joseph about what they had seen … the next verse, is one that I love: ‘but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often.’ (“19) What an amazing girl! She was incredibly sensitive to the Spirit of God and remembered all that she had been told over the past year or so. I really think we should take this on, when small but significant things happen in our lives, we must not forget God, His promises, and His word. They are life and are important for our lives!

As you know the Jewish nation is one that firmly holds on to their traditions and customs, and it started way-back. On the 8th day after Jesus was born, it was time for the purification offering (“21) and so Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph went to present Him to The LORD at the temple.

This next section shows so wonderfully how faithful God is in His word. LUKE 2”25: ‘At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
As you have promised..PSAMLS33”4 says: For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all he does. (NIV) – And it’s because He is! In verse 26, we see how the Holy Spirit had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. And for sure, God did not let his time come until he held Jesus. It’s impossible for God to lie, and this is clear evidence that His words are true. NUMBERS23”19 

Now the last two sections are so amazing to read, they are the last couple of verse we know that look into the life of Jesus growing up as a child. I wish we knew more – but the Bible gives us all that we need to know for salvation. 40 'There The Child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favour was on Him.'

     Jesus was not an ordinary Child – far from it. Here we see that God blessed Him growing up and He was :

-         * Healthy

-         * Strong

-         * Full of wisdom

-          *(and) Special Favour

*** These qualities are prayers that we can all pray for ourselves and the people around us growing-up. That they will have health, be strong and have wisdom and favour of God Almighty.

Now … for the big moment.

The first words Jesus says (that are written down for us ;)  -  ( when basically Jesus stays on in Jerusalem after a feast talking to the Teachers in the Temple and His Parents are looking for Him)

‘But why did you need to search?’

Why DO YOU need to search?

Jesus is right here, calling for those from every corner of the earth to join Him in His Kingdom that has no end.

That’s right. No end. Ever.

(“49) “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50But they didn’t understand what he meant.

51Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.

52Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and all the people.

“49 – God’s presence is where we need to be, and by this I don’t mean going to Church every Sunday (though sadly, that is the only place many of those who are saved ever receive the filling of God’s presence) It can be anywhere, when you open up your heart to Him, and ask Him to get rid of the distractions, sin and clutter; and make space for Him to reside. His presence will be with you forever:

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” MATT28”29

“51 – Obey those God has put around you - ie : your guardians and parents “This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise”EPHESIANS6”1-3.

I am in awe, Of Jesus’ ability to obey and surrender to the authority of two people that He made.

 – This fact really helped me through my 'teen-why-is-my-mum-so-strict' phase. If Jesus, The Creator of the universe can obey His mum (who was not divine, so was imperfect). Then so could I.

And for the second time in this chapter, we see the wonderful nature of Mary, the mother of Jesus keep in her heart everything that is taking place in her Child's life.

In a similar way. Take to heart what I have shared with you today. And I hope it will be an addition to the growing insight into God’s word that we all want to know and discover.

IMTAPA Xx

In my thoughts and prayers always xxx

(PS: It is also my prayer that you grow in wisdom, stature and in favour with God and all people.)