God—omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. God Almighty. El Shaddai. Just trying to think about him can blow your mind. But to think that God, who is by definition limitless, would choose to take on the greatest limits that we know, can certainly trip all your circuits.
And yet, that is the message of the New Testament. Who would have ever thought this up? Certainly it wouldn’t be the logical conclusion of Judaism—the religion of God, the exalted and high and holy one.
However, right in the midst of first-century Judaism, the story arose. Immanuel—God with us as a helpless child, totally dependent on others for everything. Immanuel—God as one of us. The image here is powerful—the pre-existent Son of God, who fine-tuned the universe, being born in a stable. The one who can do anything he wants whenever he wants is wrapped in torn strips of cloth and placed in a manger, a food trough—the best they could do for a make-shift crib.
God in a food trough! God showing us how far he is willing to go to be near us and part of our experience, showing us that God and man were meant to be together—not in different worlds. The God of the universe broke into our world as a baby to show us that getting down in the trenches with one another is more important than getting one up on one another. What matters in life is not how high you go but how much you give of yourself. What matters is love. That’s the message of God in diapers sleeping in a food trough.
I needed this at 4:22 am when I am having a difficult time sleeping and feeling not good enough and unworthy. To think of the gentle humility Jesus had and has for us melts my fear and my anxiousness and leaves me thankful for my Savior! Performance isn't the calling but closeness and giving from gentle humility and gratitude. Thank you God! Thank you Jesus. We love you!
ReplyDeleteI am preparing to visit family for 2 weeks - my children first, who are disciples, and then the rest of my family - in the world and not saved.....this was really great to read this AM as I prepare my heart and mind for this trip....keeping in mind the true meaning of Christmas and the real reason God came to earth ....thanks so much Tom - have a blessed Christmas with all your family......
ReplyDeleteI read this last year but got something completely different out of it this year; the mercy and grace God has for us. He knows completely how difficult it can be to be faithful and steadfast here on earth and so in our difficulties he has great compassion and mercy to those that are humble. This helps me be more merciful and gracious, too.
ReplyDeleteI love these simple but so helpful messages on Monday mornings. I hope this ministry will continue. Merry Christmas!
Last night our devo was on the verse where it relates to a newborn baby craving the pure spiritual milk to grow in your salvation. To our maturing as Christians....it is amazing that our Father chose the most wonderful thing in the world a baby! To show us his eternal love!Such a n incredible miracle in the most humblest of places.Noel, Glory to God in the highest!
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