How would you feel if.... ....your father started to leave your mother at the news of your conception? How would you feel if.... ....you were born in a smelly, germ-filled stable and laid in one of the animal's feeding troughs because there weren't any rooms left in the hotel? How would you feel if.... ....you made a major sacrifice for a friend and afterward, he/she won't even admit to knowing you? From the time of Jesus' conception until His death, He was rejected. When Joseph first found out that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Joseph wanted to leave her. He didn't want a baby that wasn't his. The only reason he stayed was because the angel of the Lord convinced him of Mary's innocence and fidelity to him (Matt. 1:20-21). When they arrived at the inn, the innkeeper told them that there wasn't any more room. He probably only let them stay in the stables because they were willing to pay him. And maybe he had compassion for Mary who was ready to deliver (Lk 2:6). So you see, Jesus was not born with a silver spoon in His mouth. He wasn't even born in a clean environment (Lk 2:7). He suffered rejection His entire life, and He suffers rejection now, whenever you or I choose to go our own way forgetting that He gave His life for our multitude of sins. Yes, it's true that we didn't ask Him too, but He knows what we need before we know that we need it. Jesus didn't do it to guilt us into loving Him. He did it because He loves us. He knows what it feels like to be continually rejected. No one understands the pain of rejection better than Jesus does. We should give our problems over to Him right now and allow Him to lift our burdens. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28 NKJV). Is 9:6-7 NKJV 6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. How would you feel if you had the ability to heal the wounds of a friend but he wouldn't let you? I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray Scripture References NKJV Matt. 1:18-21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke 2:6-7 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. |
| How Would You Feel? Dec. 22, 2004 |