I have been reflecting on Luke 2:4-5 which says, “Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” Joseph and Mary traveled eighty miles. I asked the question yesterday in regard to this Scripture about how far we have traveled or would travel for our Lord. Maybe we can easily look at this and think that what they were doing was what they needed to do for their child, and therefore we would do that. That is a true statement because as parents we would or have done whatever it takes for our children. Would we do whatever it takes to see the will of God completed? I would think that you probably saw that question coming if you have read any of my other blogs, but that is what I considered as I have been reading the Christmas story.
What am I willing to do to see that God’s will is achieved in my life? Would I walk the 80 miles just as was required of Mary and Joseph? God’s will is good and perfect so of course I will always do what He calls me to do. Romans 12:2 challenges me when I read it, as God’s will is not for my purposes to be done, but rather for His purposes to be done. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Remember the verse just prior to this one is about presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God. The New Testament presents to us the death of Christ in terms of being sacrificial.
I think that it all comes down to sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed everything for us, so what are we willing to sacrifice for Him? We are on a journey, just as Mary and Joseph were on a journey. What is the final destination? Well, we know what our destination is based on faith in Jesus and the promise that He has made to us (John 14:3-6). We are just a few days before the celebration of Christmas, a day that reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus has made for all of us. He up the perfection of heaven to brings His perfection to be among an imperfect people so that one day we would be glorified and perfect, spending eternity with Him. Is the journey that we are on and 80-mile journey to where God has called us? It might be 80 miles, it might be longer, or it might be a journey that takes place right where you are. We are on a journey because we received the gift of salvation from Jesus, our King. Celebrate His birth this week and everyday as we move closer and closer to our eternity with Him.