"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10, 11This is the scene that started it all . . . Jesus Christ was born. It was a new beginning for all mankind. The story of Jesus' birth is related in all 4 gospels. I like the story best in Luke. Matthew has a lot of "begats" showing the lineage of Jesus. They are important, but I like getting down to the meat of Mary's conception, Joseph's vision, John leaping in Elizabeth's womb when Mary approached. I guess I'm the one who will always take the shortcut. Jesus didn't take the shortcut. He was born a baby. He could have appeared instantly as a man. God had a perfect plan for our salvation and that was that Jesus would be in all ways a man, from birth until His death and ressurection. The gospel of Luke, Chapter 1 and 2:1-40 speak of the miracles of that time and should be read often. As you read these chapters and other books in the Word (Bible) you will gain a knowledge and understanding of our Lord that will live in you forever.
This morning I had to go back to the dentist to have my new denture and gums checked. My upper teeth were pulled and denture placed Saturday morning. As Rob and I were waiting for them to open the door, we started a conversation with a well-tatooed man who was also waiting. He had a phrase around his neck ~ I was trying to read it, but couldn't see it all. So I asked. He said, "one day I will finally be released". Then we began to have an ordinary conversation, though it was intimate in many ways. Inside we signed in and when Billy was called in, I turned to Rob, gave him one of our forgiveness cards and asked him to chat with him. I was called in, had my check-up, set an appointment for 2 days and searched the waiting room for Rob. He was outside with Billy. The conversation was animated.
I stepped outside to hear Rob telling a story I've heard a hundred times. I shuttled in under his arm and looked at Billy. He had tears in his eyes. He couldn't take his eyes off Rob. Rob leaned to me and said, "He said the sinner's prayer". I felt so happy. I knew he was ready. when Rob finished his testimony, I hugged Billy and welcomed him into Jesus' family. Then I touched the word "released" on his neck and told him, "you've been released". I felt the presence of the Lord surrounding us. We traded phone numbers and asked him to call us with any questions, doubts, fears. We'll see him on Wednesday morning when we both go back to the dentist. What a divine appointment!
Just as on the day of our Lord's birth, there are many divine appointments. It's important that we don't step aside. We need to take the hand of the Lord, follow him and never be afraid. When we are afraid to speak out the name of God, speak His word, to step where He leads us, then the miracle can't happen. Billy and many others like him will miss their divine appointments. Nothing we said or quoted led him to pray, but the Holy Spirit gave utterance through us. Praise the Lord!
