Posted on 01/01/2024 3:15:48 PM PST by luvie
Many of us have heard that Jesus was born in a stable, largely due to the translation of the Greek word katalyma as “inn” in Luke 2:7 in some versions. This, combined with the detail that Jesus was placed in a “manger,” has led many to assume Mary and Joseph were turned away from an inn and found refuge in a stable. But katalyma is better translated “guest room.” In ancient Near East peasant homes, there would often be a space reserved for guests separated from the area of the home where animals would also stay. Joseph went to Bethlehem to stay with family during the census (v. 4). But because there wasn’t enough room in the guest area of the house, Mary gave birth in the area of the home that had an animal manger (v. 7), an ideal shape for cradling a newborn.
I loved my weekend in New Orleans—happening upon a parade in the French Quarter, visiting the National World War II Museum, and trying grilled oysters. But as I fell asleep in my friend’s spare room, I missed my wife and kids. I enjoy opportunities to preach in other cities, but I most enjoy being home.
One aspect of Jesus’ life that’s sometimes overlooked is how many of His most important events happened on the road. The Son of God entered our world in Bethlehem, an incalculable distance from His heavenly home and far from His family’s hometown of Nazareth. Bethlehem was overflowing with extended family in town for the census, so Luke says there wasn’t even a spare katalyma, or “guest room,” available (Luke 2:7).
What was missing at Jesus’ birth did show up at His death. As Jesus led His disciples into Jerusalem, He told Peter and John to prepare for their Passover meal. They should follow a pitcher-carrying man to his home and ask the owner for the katalyma—the guest room where Christ and His disciples could eat the Last Supper (22:10-12). There, in borrowed space, Jesus instituted what is now called Communion, which foreshadowed His looming crucifixion (vv. 17-20).
We love home, but if we travel with the Spirit of Jesus, even a guest room can be a place of communion with Him.
Where have your most meaningful moments occurred and what made them memorable? When you’re on the road, how might you make the most of your temporary stay for Christ?
Dear Jesus, friend of the traveler far from home, please help me to remember You’re always with me.
But you look so cute! :)
LOL!
The Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, has long mystified Bible students—particularly in terms of how we’re to understand its inclusion in the Scriptures. This sense of mystery has led to a variety of interpretations. Three main views are held regarding the purpose of the Song. One interpretation holds that it’s a metaphor describing God’s love for Israel and His care for her as His chosen people. Second, it’s historically been viewed by many Bible teachers to be a “type” (representative picture) of Christ and the church, perhaps even anticipating Paul’s expressions of Christ’s love for the church in Ephesians 5. Finally, it’s seen by some modern scholars as a celebration of intimate love between husband and wife.
If you were to stroll along the old brick wall stretching between the Protestant and Catholic graveyards in Roermond, Netherlands, you’d discover a curious sight. On each side, flush against the wall stands two identical towering headstones: one for a Protestant husband and one for his Catholic wife. Cultural rules during the nineteenth century required they be buried in separate cemeteries. They wouldn’t accept their fate, however. Their unusual headstones are high enough to reach above the fenced obstruction so that at the top there’s only about a foot or two of air separating them. Atop each, a sculptured arm reaches out to the other, each clasping the other’s hand. The couple refused to be separated, even in death.
The Song of Songs explains love’s power. “Love is as strong as death,” Solomon says, “its jealousy unyielding as the grave” (8:6). True love is powerful, ferocious. “It burns like blazing fire” (v. 6). True love never surrenders, won’t be silenced, and can’t be destroyed. “Many waters cannot quench love,” writes Solomon. “Rivers cannot sweep it away” (v. 7).
“God is love” (1 John 4:16). Our strongest love is only a fractured reflection of His ferocious love for us. He’s the ultimate source of any love that’s genuine, any love that holds fast.
How have you been experiencing God’s strong love? How has He revealed His strong love for you?
Dear God, I need Your love that’s stronger than death, stronger than evil, stronger than my failings. Thank You for Your powerful love.
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Our puppy Henry is on the naughty list, too!
Ha ha!
😅
Yeah, yeah...blame it on the poor widdle kitty! :D
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In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul describes the way in which faith in Jesus is received, nurtured, and passed on within families: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice.” Though no one is saved by the faith of their parents, being part of a family of believers in Christ provides a biblical foundation. Exposing children to the truths of the Bible and the character of God picks up on the Jewish tradition found in the Shema (an important Old Testament prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments . . . are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (vv. 4-7).
We were seated around the dinner table when my nine-year-old grandson said with a smile, “I’m just like Grandma. I love to read!” His words brought joy to my heart. I thought back to the year before when he’d been sick and stayed home from school. After he took a long nap, we sat together side by side reading. I was happy to be passing along the legacy of loving books that I’d received from my mother.
But that’s not the most important legacy I want to pass on to my grandchildren. I pray the legacy of faith I received from my parents and sought to pass on to my children will also help my grandchildren in their journey toward faith.
Timothy had the legacy of a godly mother and grandmother—and a spiritual mentor, the apostle Paul. The apostle wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
We may think our lives haven’t been positive enough to be a good example for others. Maybe the legacy passed down to us wasn’t a good one. But it’s never too late to build a legacy of faith into our children, grandchildren, or any child’s life. Through God’s help, we plant seeds of faith. He’s the one who makes faith grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
What kind of spiritual inheritance did you receive? How can you build a legacy of faith?
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to You. Please help me to be a godly example to others. For further study, read Walk with Me: Traveling with Jesus and Others on Life’s Road.you get up” (vv. 4-7).
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We’re in port in Aruba today. At one excursion stop we saw the most beautiful friendly tortie, probably feral, sunning him/herself on a stone fence. It occurred to us to rescue him but I suppose Princess would be suspicious if we brought kitty litter into the ship. 😏
We’re in port in Aruba today. At one excursion stop we saw the most beautiful friendly tortie, probably feral, sunning him/herself on a stone fence. It occurred to us to rescue him but I suppose Princess would be suspicious if we brought kitty litter into the ship. 😏
It’s a shame you couldn’t do it. LOL! He/she would have loved coming home with you. 😹😻
To encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering because of their faith, Paul reminded them of the blessed hope of His imminent return (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 10; 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:1-10). Twice, he instructed them to “encourage one another” (4:18; 5:11). The Greek word translated “encourage” (parakaleō) means “to come alongside”; “to give one the strength and courage to get up and get going again.” It’s like giving a much-needed push to a child’s swing to get it moving. The apostle John used paraklētos to refer to the Holy Spirit, who comes alongside us to be our “Advocate” (John 14:26). It’s difficult to find an equivalent to this Greek word, so it’s translated in several different ways to describe the Spirit: “Helper,” “Counselor,” “Comforter,” “Companion,” or “Friend.” These are all apt descriptions of coming alongside to encourage.
An Indiana schoolteacher suggested that her students write notes of encouragement and inspiration for their peers. Days later, when a school tragedy occurred in a different part of the country, their notes buoyed the spirits of their fellow students as they dealt with the resulting fear and pain that something could happen to them too.
Encouragement and mutual concern were also on Paul’s mind when he wrote to the believers at Thessalonica. They had lost friends, and Paul instructed them to hope in Jesus’ promised return to bring their loved ones to life again (1 Thessalonians 4:14). While they didn’t know when that would occur, he reminded them that as believers they needn’t wait in fear of God’s judgment when He returned (5:9). Instead, they could wait with confidence in their future life with Him and meanwhile “encourage one another and build each other up” (v. 11).
When we experience painful losses or senseless tragedies, it’s easy to be overcome with fear and sadness. Yet Paul’s words are helpful to us today, just as when they were written. Let’s wait in hopeful expectation that Christ will restore all things. And meanwhile, we can encourage each other—with written notes, spoken words, acts of service, or a simple hug.
How have you been encouraged by others? How can you encourage someone today?
Risen Jesus, despite my hurts in a messed-up world, please help me to wait on You with hope and faith and to encourage those around me until You come again.
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