Volume 30, No. 50                                               
December 25, 2005


 A Stable Faith

   Look closely at the Nativity and you’ll see yourself, even in the most unlikely characters.  

   Begin with Caesar Augustus who orders everyone back to their hometowns for a headcount to determine how much tax he’s entitled to.  The most powerful man of his day, he controlled an immense territory after coming to power in 31 B.C. upon the assassination of his famous uncle, Julius Caesar.  

   “Augustus” means “the majestic” or “the revered one.” Ironically, those titles belong only to Jesus who makes the emperor’s power look puny and pathetic.  I wonder how many times, like Augustus, we think we’re in control, doing and getting what we want without even knowing that God’s using our pride and independence to set in motion a far greater plan for his glory.

    “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus,” says Paul.  “Though He was God, He didn’t demand and cling to his rights as God.  He made himself nothing, took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form...  He obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.  Because of this, God raised him up... so that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow... and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:6-11)  If we truly want people to make
Jesus the King of their lives, it’ll have to start with us.  Humility is the best indication of abdication.

   In other words, we must give up our throne to get our crown.  That won’t change the fact we’re related to Royalty, just like Joseph the carpenter who came from the family of King David.  Perhaps in this coming year,  God will send us — like Joseph — back to where we started, knowing that resolving the issues from our past is sometimes the best pathway to a stable future and the blessings of peace, joy andpurpose.  Just remember that even if the Lord wants you to retrace some steps, it’s only so you’ll remember who you are, be counted among the citizen’s of God’s kingdom, and be prepared to pay the price the Lord expects.  But just as Joseph didn’t stay in Bethlehem, we must get past the past to whatever bold plan the Lord has in store.     

   Wherever God leads, all the significant journeys of life are best taken with those we love.  Though our Father may guide us to places of pain and travail, He always provides us with comfort company, and ultimate Consolation.  Mary and Joseph faced the future together.  Even when huddled in that inhospitable stable far from home, they had each other and the encouragement of those sent by God himself. Most of all, they had Jesus.  In the uncertainty of the days ahead we, too, will have each other and the powerful presence of the Lord.    

   The biggest question is, where will we put him?  Though the innkeeper is often scorned for placing the Son of God in a crowded, stinking stable, he did so only because he didn’t recognize who Jesus was.  God chose not to tell the man all there was to know about his holy but wholly inconspicuous guest.  If He had,the innkeeper would’ve made room for the Messiah, no matter what.  As it was, he simply did what he could and, at the time, it was enough.  

   In the same way, there may be dimensions of our relationship with Jesus that God hasn’t revealed;  many facets of his love and power that we still don’t understand.  With time and maturity, we’ll see more and be more.  Until then, our Father simply expects us to do what we can with what we know and what we have.  Make room for Jesus, wherever possible, but accept God’s grace and patience while you grow.  For now, focus on making your heart a place where others can find Jesus, even if you still haven’t give him the best.

   Because, if you think about it, nobody in the Nativity knows the full story.  Everyone involved merely responds to what God says, then it takes thirty years for the seeds of hope to bear fruit.  So too, there may be no instant solutions to your problems and his plan for you may take time to unfold.  But the most important part is already known, so celebrate the glad news of great joy:  a Saviour was born to bear the Cross, taking your place and your punishment so you might live with Him forever.  But don’t wait.  Live with him now. And like Mary and Joseph, you’ll know the meaning of a stable faith.

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ nondenominational congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To get on a weekly mailing list for free Cross Current articles, send an email to sgamble@bfree.on.ca