Advent Day 4

“And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:24-28 ESV)

Practically every Christmas Eve service starts with the shepherds; understandably, they received the invitation to see the child Jesus from the heavenly host.

Yesterday, I spoke of the importance of the virgin birth. But take a bit of information upfront.

Sinclair writes that God was preparing Joseph to be the surrogate father of Jesus. It would not be easy, and there would be much turmoil in raising the son of God. God tested Joseph’s faith early as God prepared him for the challenge.

If we think about this, God is preparing us as well. Not to be the surrogate parent for Christ but for the turmoil that inevitably follows when Christ comes. I do not know about you, but my life was turned upside down when I accepted Christ. When we accept Him into our hearts, we face the darkness of the life we led before Him. We meet our demons, knowing full well the Lord has dismissed them. We become outcasts as we no longer keep the same company. I cannot imagine the stage that will be set when Christ returns, but based on society today, there will be turmoil.

 Sinclair points out the same thing happens in scripture. Look at Jacob, who was injured while wrestling the one some call a Christophany, an angel, or God. No matter who it was, Joseph was wounded and put in his place so God could use him. Isaiah was no choir boy; he had an unclean mouth. And Peter, well, Peter’s boasting fell to the wayside during his denials of Christ.

We can all see ourselves in the failures of others in scripture. As you ponder the blessing the Lord has given you, think also of how he has humbled you so that you might become a useful servant of the Lord. I have heard many say, “I just want to forget my life before Christ,” as vile as mine was, I never want to forget it. I always want to remember it and from where God saved me.

Grace and Peace!

Based on scripture and the writings of Sinclair Ferguson, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”, The Goodbook Company, 2021