Joseph and Mary were no different than other anxious young parents expecting their firstborn child. No doubt they wondered who he would look like…would he be strong as Joseph? Would this child be thoughtful like Mary? Will he make a difference in this world? And the nagging question: What if he isn’t “perfect”?
But there were differences. Each was visited by an angel to confirm the identity of this precious bundle of joy, so they knew beforehand his name—Jesus, the Son of God. Of course he’ll be perfect! Prophets foretold his birth hundreds of years before this "Word became flesh and dwelled among us" happened. Would he be like Elijah or Isaiah? I imagine that even with this knowledge they had questions. I know the angel said...but what about....? What if he...? What will we do when he wants to go off on his own?
This precocious child, Jesus, knew who He was and what He was called to do. The lyrics of this song written by Felicia Shifflet indicate His youthful knowledge of the difference between eternal and earthly matters.
On my Father’s Side—On My Mother’s Side
Just a young boy in the temple one day
Shared with the doctors; they were so amazed.
Never had they seen one so young speak so swift
They asked him many questions, conversation went like this…
What’s your name son?
On my mother’s side—my name is Jesus
On my father’s side—they call me Emmanuel
How old are you?
On my mother’s side—I’m now 12 years
On my father’s side—I’ve just always been
Where are you from?
On my mother’s side—I’m from Bethlehem
On my father’s side—It’s New Jerusalem
What’s your plan?
On my mother’s side—I’ll be crucified but…
On my father’s side—in three days I’ll arise
Bridge: He is the Son of God and yet the Son of Man
And I can’t help but wonder how Joseph must have felt
Thru an open door that day he heard his son reply.
He said, “You see, I’m the King of Kings on my father’s side.”
Jesus felt the tug-of-war between earthly and heavenly matters. Don't you feel it as well? I believe it is because God, according to King Solomon, planted eternity in the human heart.
Joseph and Mary struggled to make sense of it all. We cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end, but just like Joseph and Mary, we can trust that it will be accomplished.
That gnawing, empty place in your heart is meant to be filled by the Eternal One whose name is Jesus--on His mother's side. On His Father's side, His name is Emmauel--God with us. Now that's what I call a bundle of joy!
Thank you, Rebecca for leaving your kind comments. I appreciate you taking time to read the blog and to respond.
Posted by: Rachel Ilene | 12/28/2011 at 07:56 PM
VERY THO'T PROVOKING! TIME TO GET BACK TO "WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT", THANK YOU FOR A GREAT DEVOTIONAL.
REBECCA
Posted by: REBECCA MILLER | 12/24/2011 at 08:42 AM