Luke 2 ~ His Mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Luke 2

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.


39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.


41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

I betcha the minute you saw we would talk about the Real Mary, 
you started to tally up what you think and know of the Biblical Mary.

Well. Then. Let's talk about the Sadduceen Council records still available today during the time of Jesus' Ministry. 

And then again, based upon the scandalous things said about Mary, let's not. Jews judged by the mother - quite a Bit. And the one nice thing they said of Mary - she was of the line of David - her father's name was Heli.

This is actually a compliment to Mary.

Luke 3:22-24
22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, 
24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph.

Mary was quite the gal. The Sanhedrin Council said she was of the Line of David. 
  
Joseph was of the Line of David. Yet evidently, people thought well of the little lady who was hoisted fat and pregnant on an 80 mile donkey ride to a barn.

Jesus Meek and Mild? Where?

Mary Meek and Mild? Where?

Evidently Mary was suitably spoken and well of heart.

Luke 1
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

 

The Annunciation, Tanner

Zechariah, the mature priest is struck mute for his impudence. Mary asks how as well and carefully, boldly and wisely then says, "God's Will Be Done. I'm his servant." Joseph could stone her - which speaks to the fact Joseph wanted better for Mary, his betrothed - Mother of God.

Isaiah 7 tells of of Roman Occupation and the Economic Climate - Mary could anticipate -

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. 17 The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

(Syria was the Provence the country of Judah was assigned to be the suburb for - no one Wanted to go to the Kingdom of Judah to rule - this was considered the sticks.)

Flight Egypt Holy Family, Edwin Longsden

18 In that day the Lord will whistle for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. 19 They will all come and settle in the steep ravines and in the crevices in the rocks, on all the thornbushes and at all the water holes.

            (Hosea 11:1
             11 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

             Matthew 2:15
             And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which   was spoken of the Lord  
by the prophet, saying, 
Out of Egypt have I called my son.)


20 In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also.

(Alexander the Great ordered his soldiers to be clean - shaven - fearing beards would serve as handles for their enemies to grab and kill. "The beard does not make the sage." In Ancient Rome, Pliny wrote in "Kings of Rome and the Early Republic"- P. Ticinius was the first who brought a barber to Rome around 299 B.C.)

(On to the economic forecast = )

21 In that day, a person will keep alive a young cow and two goats. 22 And because of the abundance of the milk they give, there will be curds to eat. All who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. 23 In that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, there will be only briers and thorns. 24 Hunters will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. 25 As for all the hills once cultivated by the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run.

Now is a Great time to add in the historically accurate picture of Bethelem from the 19th Century -

And - This is a great time to add historical records of Herod killing infant boys in Nazareth say the slaughter was 20 babies. A small place. And Mary - "The Pregnant Out of Wedlock One" gets to return to the scene  - Where two Gospels record saying the blended family looked seamless. The Nazareth people say - perfectly blended.

Matthew 13:56
"Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us?"

Mary is recorded speaking to the Economic Environment - Purely "Politically Correctly"?

6 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.

Mary is told a sword is going to pierce here soul - but the young woman here is speaking of Fame. And Blessings. This isn't Meek. Yet what teenager, in a rural city, engaged to a very poor son of David isn't going to think this??? She is Honest. Scriptures are Real.

How does Mary feel about being occupied by Romans bring this incredible wealth with them?

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”


Mary has a few opinions.
And Oops - she left a young Jesus - Behind.

And when Jesus started creating a dangerous fuss...

Mary goes with James, Joseph, Simon and Judas and his sisters - to "Speak" with Jesus - Causing Jesus to say "Do God's Will!"

Mary isn't that much of a put-off - 

Jesus did stay for a few days with His Disciples in Nazareth - at the house Joseph would have been building when Gabriel did announce the arrival of Emmanuel.  Jesus stayed with Mary, with His Disciples, for the Wedding in Canaan.

 

Jesus, of course, found a permanent home for Mary with John. Jesus, knew, of course, His Brothers would travel to proclaim the Gospel. (You can look that one up!)

Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Jesus brought His Disciples home to see Mary after the Wedding in Cana. John 2.

God did not choose a perfect - all knowing - never make a mistake - Demi Goddess.  God chose the first Shepherd to Jesus to be Shepherded as He left.  He had proven even His Mother needed a Savior. God chose Mary who would push Jesus to make a Wedding right. Wanted to haul Him home. Distracted enough to loose Him on a Vacation. Opinionated in class and opportunity.  Rejoicing in an opportunity to leave the every day - to Fame. A Real Human Being.


Mary - the Mother of Jesus Christ - Son of God, rejoining His Mothers and Brothers - Doing the Will of God. 



Abba, Father God,

 The prayer life of David was real and messy. And very personal to the Heart of You, Father God. Let us pray for life to draw us closer to Love and to Your Heart. 

I lift all of our family with plans to gather this weekend and travel safety. And ask Your blessings of joy, guidance and protection to do Your Will with Love.

1 Corinthians 1:24
To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Ephesians 3:11
According to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:9
And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ

We ask for rain in the areas of Texas needing rain. For this State and our Nation, where we Trust in God. 

Following Your example, Father God, to pray with Hope and Expectation our cares matter to You. To know even in the wilderness, we matter to You. To have Your Blessing to seek more Heaven and God's Good Will on earth. To be blessing seekers and blessing finders. To lift up Elliott and Harby in healing and be so pleased Dee's back is so much better, with continued healing.

To bless those we have seen recently and to be blessings to the people You have given us. Joining our prayers with the communion of saints world wide. Jesus is God.

In Jesus Christ we will say so Be His Good Will 'Amen'.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Mark 1: 35-37 ~ “Everyone is looking for You!”

Suppose you had rather a difficult career. And you liked time to be in solitude and be with God and nature. This is a good place to begin.

Mark 1
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

A man, full of grace and truth, who the Scriptures record to be part of the dawn of creation. Separating land from sea.

Mark 1:16
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Matthew 4

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.

22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 8

1When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him

Jesus began to visit so much, he even liked the mother-in-law!

Matthew 8

 ⁴ And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. ¹⁵ He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.

Matthew 4
13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali

Peter, the most prosperous fishing family in Capernaum, had a next door view of the Synagogue.

Mark 1:20-22
Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Matter of fact, the synagogue has a column that Zebedee donated and named for to his sons, John and John. Zebedee had a large voice, perfect for yelling from one boat to another and he was called Thunder.

Sadly, today, Peter's house has a Church resembling a spaceship over it (it would make a nice MIB movie). However, the setting of Peter's house is beautiful. See the photos from the 1960s.

These men had many times together of joy, visiting Mary at a wedding in Cana.

Trips on the boat.

Rembrandt Storm at Sea

Picnics

 

Political Discussions which would eventually call for loyalty or division.

Long Talks

Long walks Mark told us about.

Mark 10:32
They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe

Other more memorable walks.

Disciples sometimes argued. Jesus was called upon to settle things.

Opportunities for Forgiveness.

And Loyalty

Lord, you have the Words of Life!










We would hope there would be remains today, telling us of this remarkable friendship. God's Son -

And there is. Tomorrow we will tell of the other House of Peter's. Because there is a vast archaeological similarity.

We loved the Musical "Godspell." It's actually a Biblical Repeat. Jesus wasn't born in the Palace where the Magi knocked. He chose instead what was meaningful. Love spoke to the many pilgrims who turned Peter's house into what we see in the House Churches of Acts. At one point, archaeology records Peter's house was one of the few in Capernaum with plaster walls. And during the time of Church Historians Bishop Papias of Hierapolis and Eusebius, the Bishop of Caesarea, we see no time lapse for Peter's house becoming a House Church, "domus-ecclesia", where pilgrims wrote Graffiti on the walls. The plastered walls came in handy.

Alpha and omega combinations were present, as references to Jesus Christ, but they were also found in reverse order, signifying Christ's role as the gateway to eternal life. Alpha and omega might also be separated from each other and connected by a thin line. Other letters signified other mysteries: tau indicated the cross, epsilon stood for Eden and nu for "nika", victory. But most important of all, curious combinations of rho and pi were references to the apostle Peter.There is a spiritual richness and hunger to those who visit Peter's House, leaving praise for the Lord on the Graffiti Walls.

Peter's wife and mother must have loved colored plater because red, pink, brick-red, yellow, dark brown, green, blue and white. The geometric decoration is made up of rectangular panels, lozenges, circles, floral crosses etc. Floral motifs are also recognisable, such as branches, small trees, flowers, figs and pomegranates. Apparently human or animal representations were not allowed.

Graffiti, monograms and symbols were found. The languages used in the graffiti are Greek (151 samples), Paleo-Estrangelo (13), Aramaic (9) and Latin (2).

Abba,

You renew our Mercies You load us with daily. It's so very pleasant to see Your Life You have called Joy.

When You created this earth, so many times You said, "It is good." Yesterday, today and tomorrow. It's sometimes easy to find what Joe Walsh calls, "A Flock of Wah Wah's!"

With the Help of the Holy Spirit take Hold of what God has given us. Today.

When we know Seasons change, be blessed with Today.

The seasons change and we will recall this season of summer with gratitude. We have seen family, repaired our roof at just the right time. And, we will say this again, see our family. Blessed and Blessed to be given people to Love.

Each day it's pleasant and good to remember You have delighted in mankind. You have delighted in Your Good Creation. You have delighted to give us Jesus. We will think on Your Promises and focus on what You Give. To be grateful.

We will stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. We will rejoice in precious times and look to the future for Your provision.

The seasons change, You do not, Father God.

You have loaded us with the benefits to pray for "Your will be done for More Heaven on earth as it is in Heaven." You have told us Heaven is a Restful Sabbath. You have told us when Nations in Heaven disagree, You provide Peace. You have told us we will need to Stand Firm in our Faith in Heaven. We want to do this with Joy on Your good creation earth. Thank You, Father.

Lifting our cares to Your capable hands. Lifting Elliott to healing from cancer, that he will play and know and rejoice with Harby in their grandchildren. For Dee and her back to be well. For the brave men and women who work to bring National Service to the people. We praise them and pray for their joy in life and safety.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank You, Father. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †