'To Where Do We Belong?'
Luke 2:4-5.
a) Joseph took his wife Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which was David's City, for census registration.
b) Joseph was of the House and family of David.
c) Mary was heavily pregnant.
d) The distance is 107km. This must have been a very uncomfortable and difficult journey.
e) The reason that they took that journey was threefold:
1-Joseph was a diligent citizen.
2-For the sake of natural lineage.
3-It was the Will of God.
f) Joseph belonged to Bethlehem, it was his home town.
g) The painful reality: Even though Joseph belonged to Bethlehem, there was no place available for his family there.
(This QT, To Where Do We Belong?, teaches me that there is a big difference between "home town" and "home")
PRAY: For our present home to be filled with God's Presence and Peace.
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'Believe In Christ Jesus.'
Acts 10:43.
a) All the Prophets bear witness,
b) That everyone who Believes in Him,
c) Receives forgiveness of sins,
d) Through His Name.
(This Second one reminds me of the simple Gospel Message: Believe In Christ Jesus)
PRAY: For our unsaved family members and friends to Believe In Christ Jesus.
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Chris.
Joseph was a diligent father! He is a fine example to us of commitment. He wanted to go back and visit his hometown for the birth of his son. Joseph wanted to be a good 'Bethlehemite' and he took his wife on a difficult journey so that this lineage of 'Bethlehemites' be maintained. It is evident from Scripture that Joseph did not want to live and settle there in Bethlehem, he only wanted Mary to give Birth there.
