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Face to Face:Manger
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
If we truly want to know intimacy with the Father, then we need to follow the pattern of the Son. Except for those moments upon the cross when He bore the penalty of our sins, Jesus always knew perfect communion with the Father.
Why did Jesus spend His first moments upon earth in a feeding trough? Throughout His life, we know Jesus associated with the lowly. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the Savior of the world would make such an entrance.
Another thought is that Jesus was laid in a manger by the will of His Father. God could have kept a place open in the inn. He could have arranged for the finest accommodations for His Son. However, God wanted to identify with the common man, with you and me. He wanted to begin to reveal His love to the entire world, and not just to the religious and wealthy.
What does this tell us? When we reach out to people, it is usually to those who are in our social strata. Our churches like to attract young families with 3.2 children, who live in nice neighborhoods, drive nice vehicles, and wear nice clothes. We seek out the doctors and lawyers. Is that what Jesus would do? Is that what the Father would have us do?
Follow the example of the Son – go where the Father sends you.
Copyright 2002, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace/theplaceofgrace.html |
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