Prepared for Jesus

It sounds impossible! The first chapter of Matthew is the story of a couple who came into contact with God. He moves in His creation. He includes the lives of human beings. He is working above our abilities to comprehend. He is working out His plan of redemption. His people turned from seeking Him. Now, He sets the seed of a baby within the womb of a young woman. Could this Child be more than mere scientific matter? Is this Child to be a blend, a bond, a connection between the Spirit and His work? In the life and death of this Baby, the redemption of our entire race rests. In God´s Son, Jesus Christ, we could find our way back into the Presence of the Father.

It is too fantastic! How could a woman be pregnant by the Spirit of God? It is not the proven scientific method! Only a strange person would step out on a limb and stand on faith in such a far-out story. Who would go so far from our tested and tried understanding of the world around us? Some might call us weird if we let our hearts go out to the idea that God can and does exist. But that is faith in His power, wisdom, and workings.

It may sound ridiculous to preach or confess such wild stories. The only reason men even try is because God stirred first. He told us that this was His plan. He set His seal of approval upon the faith the Holy Scriptures reveal. Every person gets to decide if the Voice and Word of God are an adequate source.

Men and women may have the right to be skeptical. But the only way to know for sure is to get to know the One we are questioning. To find out if God is Who He says He is, we must engage with Him. We must seek to know Him well enough. How could we judge a person we have never met? We will never know if we don´t try to hear Him out.

Let´s take this opportunity to step out of the crowd. We can do something not everyone is willing to do. Let´s make an effort to pull in close. We can consider the words of Matthew as He tells us of this miracle Baby. Let us draw near with an ear to hear. Can we find it in our hearts to bring our questions to Jesus? Now is the time to ask Him if He came from God the Father. Are we prepared to lay down our own notions long enough to listen to His teachings? A little searching can put our questions to rest. Get ready to step into the presence of the Divine!

Dear Jesus, we come. Something has moved us to look to You. Assist our search. Help us as we seek to draw near.  Help us to listen to You. We want to learn something today. Whether we have walked for some time or if it is the first, we come. Please reward this small sacrifice of time and attention.  Show us, teach us, and warm us in Your presence. Guide us into experiencing You. Amen