1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.1 Timothy 4
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Matthew 19
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
Don't we all love a wedding. True Love. Forever. When Prince William married his love, weddings went way up in the U.K. To see leadership of all given when the stakes are high. It would have been easier to have said if this works, in a few years, after kids - well maybe.
And instead the world held their breathe - to see high stakes gamble - a commitment for life - a real marriage with all the unbelievable trimmings. And they had waited to see if this was love.
Just what any father would want for their child.
Except our Holy God.
So Heavily Pregnant Mary is carted 70 miles from Nazareth to the hometown of Bethlehem - where archaeology has now found this census being required by Augustus.
"This contained the number of citizens, subject kingdoms and taxes. All these details Augustus had written with his own hand" - Tacitus Annals - Book 1 Roman Historian
And no room at the inn. You bet they did not want a pregnant woman keeping them all awake.
Why would God want unusual circumstances?
God is saying He goes where there is trouble. And in adopting us into God's Holy Family - He gives us this story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus - as our family story.
God says love has a cost. Joseph was provided a way to have an exit. Bloody death or quietly. In finding mercy - Joseph found a life of love.
Love had a cost. The Sadducean Council records Mary is a descendant of David through his child Nathan and not Solomon (like Joseph was). The Council knows Mary's family - and we are left to wonder. Knowing Mary sought refuge 70 miles from Heli her father, for 3 months. And at Jesus' crucifixion, Mary's sister came to stand and help. Love had a cost in Mary's family.
Matthew 10:37
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Mary had to pick God's plan over the peace in Heli's household.
Joseph's Biblical History shows Love has a cost. No mention of help to Bethlehem or Egypt. Joseph had to leave his town, his culture, his nation.
Deuteronomy 10:12
"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
Jesus is brought for purification rites to the Temple. There is not a family celebration recorded beyond the Wonder of God providing magnificent people. Love has a cost.
Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
John 3:16
For God so loved
the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
God has given us a love story - bending down from His Magnificent Holiness - a set of events, the world can comprehend - the troubled circumstances - especially today - and see Real Love.
We rely on God to be Grace for our lives, flaws, weaknesses and sin. Jesus the Holy Sinless Perfection of God goes where He is needed. To bring us into God's Holiness - in the Name of Jesus.
God was giving us Jesus the Christ of God. And He says in the face of great love - hearts are revealed.
Jesus records all the distress pulled them together because of the permanent commitment to Love. God's example of marriage has very serious ideas of permanence.
God's example of Love shows a war is fought to continue as Love.
Matthew 13
54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”
Father God did not want something staged. God wanted hard fought authentic. God wanted clarity on loyalty.
Luke 7
He who has been forgiven little loves little.
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven."
Romans 12
One body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
And a voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"
Our Abba,
Most important of all, help us daily to continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
Father put Love upon our hearts, minds and souls - which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
You are able to strengthen us according to Your gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to Your Word. Help us to be Obedient to the Faith You call in each of us. We will press on to Jesus the Christ.
And with Joy lift up our Loved ones, concerns, prayer partners, Churches, Jobs, the news, our communities, states and this Nation. Knowing we join the community of the world praying with Jesus to Our Father.
Our Alleluia every day is from the Grace and Blessing of Jesus Christ. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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