Jesus gets the leftovers

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7

When Jesus came into this world there was no room for Him in the Inn.  He was born where animals are kept. (Luke 2:7) He was given the leftovers. He had come down from heaven on a rescue mission, where the great idea was for Him to die. There was no escape clause. He was sentenced to die brutally and without mercy, for the love that God has for us. Yet he was given no priority. There He lay where unsightly and smelly animals are kept out of the way.

Jesus preached the good news, went from place to place healing, casting out demons, forgiving sin, counseling, and changing lives.  However he was never given a big church to pastor, a book contract or offered a big Pastoral home, Jesus actually referred to himself as homeless.(Matthew 8:20)

He fed thousands on more than one occasion, raised the dead, walked on water and stilled the storm with a word. But the big network deal for a spectacular show never came. It would have been amazing. It surely would have been a hit.

He was the creator and this world did not recognize him. (John 1:10) He was the promised Messiah to God’s chosen people. He made sure to reach out to them first. (John 1:11) But they rejected him and begged for Him to be crucified. (Luke 23:21)

Jesus is knocking on the door of countless lives. He is the solution for the pain and depression. He is the solution for the empty heart and the troubled mind. But so many still do not give Him a second thought.

Many others like me owe Him everything we have. Including all the hope and peace and joy in our lives. He has saved us! But we often leave him the leftovers. The shopping has been done. The calls have been made. Did we check our email? Good, we took care of that. Dinner is made, and everyone has their Christmas gift. Maybe now we can take some time for our Lord and Savior.  At least He is no longer with the smelly animals in the manger.

More articles on Christmas from bibleaid!

Related articles

• The Birth of Christ – Out in the Cold Stable or In a warm House with the Animals?(fredswolfe.wordpress.com)
• What will You do with Jesus? (encouragementforeveryday.wordpress.com)
• The Birth of Jesus, Luke 2: 1-20 (262downright.wordpress.com)
• Jesus = Clean Slate (scottstrissel.wordpress.com)
• Sweet Baby Jesus (trustingortripping.wordpress.com)
• No room then, what about now? (thepauls.wordpress.com)
• Luke 2:12-14 – This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (church4u2.wordpress.com)
• Jesus Christ, Our Messiah (myviewandopinion.wordpress.com)
• Lets talk Christ not food! (shainadomitilia.wordpress.com)

A repentant tax collector

“Today salvation has come to this house” Luke 19:9

Zacchaeus was the most hated man in the Jewish town of Jericho. He had managed to steal from most and take from all. He provided the Romans with a bounty of wealth and property. He was of course the tax collector.

This hated tax collector had become aware of the arrival of the great prophet, some believed to be the messiah that was promised to Israel long ago. Zacchaeus was curious, perhaps even hopeful that this great man may be able to help him in some way. It is typical for those of us in need to see Jesus as an answer. But Zacchaeus most likely did not lack for anything. This seemingly materialistic man, who had cheated the poor people of Jericho, must have realized a spiritual need, a sign that he was ready for repentance.

Jesus upon seeing the tax collector hiding in a tree, immediately informs him that he would be visiting him in his house that day and that he must come down from the tree. However Jesus never makes mention of Zacchaeus’ sins until Zacchaeus does something truly wonderful.

He admits to his wrong doings and humbly tries his best to make up for all he has done wrong. He tells Jesus “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8) He is filled with guilt and understands the pain and suffering he must have caused others. This is why he does more than just offer to pay back what is rightfully owed; he offers to give them 4 times the amount. This extra amount is punishment he is placing on himself. Zacchaeus is truly repentant.

True repentance comes with a sincere recognition of wrong doings. It is absent anger, the type of anger that can follow being caught. Anger is also absent because we do not seek to blame anyone else but ourselves, and we wish to make amends as quickly as possible. We do not believe ourselves worthy of forgiveness, instead we are grateful to be forgiven. Unlike a judging crowd or a group of Pharisees, Jesus saw his heart and recognizes true repentance in Zacchaeus. He says “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9)

Zacchaeus provides us all with a mirror to reflect ourselves in and check to see if we are truly repentant of our sins. It is wise for us to take a long look and be sure. Our salvation depends on true repentance that is absent anger and excuses. Most importantly we will receive forgiveness gratefully, knowing we never deserved it.

Lost, but Found

for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. Luke 15:24

He watched as his beloved son just walked away in the distance. The pain was too much to bear. What challenges would his son face? What dangers, especially carrying such a large amount of money. It was half of the estate. His son had just made a horrible demand. “I want my share of the inheritance now. Give it to me,” he shouted. The father reluctantly gave in and now his son was gone.

Every day he must have watched and hoped, trusting in God to care for his son. If only he would return. He would most certainly be forgiven.

A long time passed. No doubt that kind of money took a while to spend. But then on the most glorious, wonderful day it happened. He barely recognized his son. But surely it must be him. Beneath the rags, that thin young man was his beloved son. The father could not contain himself and quickly began to run. In no time he had reached his prodigal son and took him in his arms.

The boy was sorrowful and soon expressed his shame. He had wasted all of his inheritance and had betrayed his father. He recognized that he was no longer worthy of being called his son and hoped he could be a servant. He was truly repentant. The father, forgave him and not only welcomed him back as his son, but began one of the greatest celebrations the family had ever had.

If any of us were to turn from God this is how he would receive us back, with love and mercy. God presently waits for those who have gone astray and if any are willing to return He welcomes them with open arms and celebrates. The joy felt in heaven as on earth is indescribable, for each and every soul that is saved!

First they criticize, then they crucify

But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Luke 11:15

This is dedicated to all the doers, past, present and future, the greatest one being Jesus Christ.

Who was likely the most criticized man on the planet? I can’t be sure. But Jesus sure got a lot of Criticism. It was His critics that wanted Him crucified. They said he was sinner because he healed people on the Sabbath. They said He was a blasphemer because he forgave people of their sins. Whenever he would cast out demons they said He did it with the help of the chief demon. They were even critical of his companions, the publicans; these were the hated tax collectors. Ah, nothing has changed. Sinners were always seeking Jesus out. They were in need. They accused Him of starting a rebellion, but His kingdom was not of this world. They finally decided they had enough and they demanded He be crucified.

If they criticized Jesus who did an immeasurable amount of Good in His short ministry, then what will they do with us? We cannot be surprised when we are criticized for anything good we do. Any attempts to help others or make lives better will be met with criticism. Such as “We were too late,” or “We rushed it”. Perhaps they’ll say “That was too long” or “that was too short” or “those words were too eloquent, no one understood” or “Those words were too simple, what do you think of us.” No way to please everybody. The sure fire way to not receive criticism is not to do anything. Well that may not be true. Then we’ll be accused of being Lazy.

We just need to go out and do what we have to do for the Lord. If some people don’t like what you did, no problem, tell them “Please show me how to do it better”. Most likely they won’t. Because their role in life is not to do something, just to criticize others who do something. More importantly remember we do not perform for the critics. We do it for God and the kingdom of Heaven.