Some Things Never Change

I saw "The Nativity Story" this week. I admit I usually shut down whenever I see Biblical robes and garb. It is so foreign, I have a hard time relating to the time period and culture and lifestyle. And of course, I already knew the story, so I didn't go in with high expectations, but a curiosity about how it would be presented. Yet, watching real people illustrate the greatest story ever told made the wheels in my head start spinning, reminding me some things never change.

God asks His people to do really hard things. I think I suffer for God at times, but I have nothing on these people. Not only were their living conditions harsh compared to ours, but can you imagine being doubted in your very character, from people who have known you your whole life? It makes me wonder what God was thinking. Why destroy the reputation of your "highly favored" servant? Can you imagine being asked to do something no one would understand? And what about the overwhelming burden of raising the Son of God? Their road was NOT an easy one. They sacrificed so much. I was greatly humbled.

At one point in the movie, certain that Mary has fallen asleep, Joseph looks into the heavens and sincerely pleads, "Give me a sign I am doing Your will." How many of YOU have asked for that very thing? I know I have!! Keep in mind he has already received his vision in the dream telling him Mary is telling the truth. I wondered how many times I have done the same, asking for more confirmation from God when He has already given me what I need for the task. Doubts must be part of the human condition. For some reason God requires us to follow Him through our apprehensions. It must have something to do with faith. I wonder if we honor Him more when we press on in our uncertainties than when we feel sure-footed.

I found an unexpected similarity in the expectations of the Jews then and Christians today. The Jews lived a very hard life under the rule of King Herod. He imposed heavy taxes on them and when they weren't able to pay, he took whatever he wanted, including their children.
When they prayed and hoped for the Messiah, they expected deliverance from Herod's heavy hand in their lifetime. Yet, the Messiah came and some didn't even know it. Their lives did not change. They weren't rescued from Herod's tyranny. In fact, things got worse as he killed all their baby boys in an effort to kill the new King. I am not surprised they didn't recognize Jesus and were skeptical of Him. He didn't provide the relief they were looking for. None of them saw the big picture, just as we don't. Their deliverance, and ours, does not come in relief from hardships here on earth, it comes in eternal rescue from damnation. Jesus, the Messiah, made it possible for us to find comfort that lasts forever in heaven. That is the real Good News of the Messiah.

I am left feeling very stupid and very small, yet very thankful. How dare I feel disappointed when God does not intervene as I expected. He has wrapped up eternity for me, for you. He only asks us to wait for it a little while and trust His judgment. Deliverance is coming, people! Hang on in that hope! Merry Christmas!