New math
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. — Luke 2:1-7
After watching the film “Greater” recently, I was confronted once again with the harsh reality that blessings from God do not always follow obedience to God.
The family in this true story was absolutely rocked to the core. If you haven’t seen this film yet, please watch it. We have such a hard time embracing God’s sovereign 30,000-foot reality when we are living in a 10-foot world. Good = Blessed. Right?
I have to believe some of these thoughts had to be whirling through Joseph’s mind as he brought his betrothed to Bethlehem.
She’s very pregnant with a child that isn’t his. They’re forced to travel over rough terrain for miles. He couldn’t even find a proper place to stay to have the baby. Another account records he had to flee with them to Egypt to escape a homicidal king.
Can you hear his thoughts?
“God, I did and I’m doing what you told me to do. Why all this struggle and hardship? I just don’t understand. It doesn’t add up.”
This side of heaven we operate in a world infected by sin.
God has never promised to insulate us from all the effects of that sin. We will hurt. We will suffer. We will be disappointed. We will be mistreated. We will grieve loss. And yes, God could eliminate each and every one of them from our lives if he chose to do so.
In addition, as much as we may think it should, our obedience to him does not force his hand to prevent the hard realities of life from hitting us.
Just ask Joseph. Just ask Paul. Just ask Jesus. The testimony of their lives is clear.
It’s by living for the “there and later” that we will be able to trust in the “here and now.”
Our losses will be great, but God is greater.
Praise and rejoicing
I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people…Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven…” — Luke 2:8-38
At a recent baptism of a new believer in Jesus, I was reminded about rejoicing angels.
Jesus said that all of heaven rejoices whenever there is a soul saved.
I love the words of a preacher at such a time who said, “Glory! We made a little noise in heaven today!”
The angels also praise and rejoice being in God’s presence. They also praise and rejoice at the works of God. Those are such special moments when we join them.
As Luke unpacks the arrival of Jesus, there is rejoicing and praising going on all over the place.
Yep, the angels were right on cue and right on key with their praise.
The shepherds skipped with joy back to their sheep with praise on their lips.
Simeon couldn’t contain his joy as prophetic praise poured out of his mouth.
Anna, who was a prophet, took one look at Jesus and burst into praise.
Apparently, it’s kind of a big deal when God shows up.
The world we live in is constantly offering alternatives for God to praise and rejoice in.
Self.
Others.
Experiences.
Accomplishments.
Nature.
It’s a pretty long list.
The angels have a pretty short list when it comes to their praise.
So should we.
When we misdirect our praise, we misdirect our lives. We were created to rejoice in God to praise Jesus for who he is and what he has done.
It’s in that place that we have proper perspective and proper footing within all the other parts and pieces of this crazy thing called life.
Wiles is senior minister of Fall Creek Christian Church in Pendleton. He can be reached at 765-778-3166.