Hosanna Restoration Church

Each year we celebrate Jesus’ birth and then what? Isaiah prophesied His coming. Micah also spoke of the birth of our savior as well as others. People looked forward to His coming and many wondered if it would ever happen. We know that He came to His own and many did not accept Him. So, on we go.

As I thought about this, I considered that when Jesus was born it was exciting for some of the folks. Angels filled the skies, the shepherds went rejoicing, and Herod wrecked people’s lives. Then it was thirty years before the Son of God stepped out in power. For over three years there were ups and downs and then He was gone. Now it has been more than two thousand years and the waiting continues! How does this all figure into our lives?

People still wait for Christmas; is it Jesus that we anticipate? Where do we place ourselves in His appearing story?

Did we experience the joy of His coming? Have we maintained that joy? Do we rejoice daily for the privilege of knowing Him? Do we turn to Him in good times and in bad? Is He our counselor and prince of peace? Is He our daily bread or an occasional snack? Is he prime rib on good days and chopped liver on bad days? What space and place does he have in our lives?

As I thought about this, I also thought about how things can change. I remember when I was growing up, my dad watched the oil in our car very closely. We never went more than three thousand miles on a change and he always used Pennzoil when he changed it. When I got a car I followed that same plan for a long time. Now, the car keeps track of it and tells us when it needs changing. I have to tell you that I often run out of patience waiting for the car to decide and I change it in advance even though they say it will be ok. It occurs to me that we may be guilty of losing patience and acting ahead of God’s plans. I will have to give that some more thought. Isn’t it amazing how God can interrupt our thoughts?

So then, what do we do when God interrupts; do we follow Him? When Jesus walked by Peter, He dropped his nets and followed. He did not do it perfectly, but he did it well and right up to his death. Some stuck with Jesus. Some deserted Jesus. What will we do? Will we keep our joy and faithfulness? Will we repent and return when we deny Him? Will we give up and walk away? Will we wait on the Lord and receive His strength and guidance. Will be wise and reject the spirit that Herod displayed. Will we stand and continue to stand with the full armor of God. How will we go on day to day and year to year? Join Joshua and say “We will serve the Lord!”