Tuesday 15 May 2012

Never a Better Time Than the Worst Time

Nevin Bass


“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Gal 4:4
In our fast paced world convenience is a premium. Fortunes have been made be those who cater to man’s desire for ease and convenience. We have instant pudding, instant potatoes, microwave ovens, and direct deposit. And yet some things are just not as convenient as we would like. As a matter of fact, usually the best things take time. The best things are also not always convenient. I know there are those who speak about the recognizing the will of God by its ease and convenience. Yet the unvarnished truth is that the will of God is not always convenient. In fact God often does not check man’s schedule before executing His plan.
Speaking about convenience, how many times have parents commented that Christmas could come at a more convenient time? I want to tell you about some parents that where hoping for a more convenient Christmas.

Tax Time

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1
I will admit that that tax-time is not my favorite time of the year. I suppose tax-time has never been a popular time. In the days of Caesar Augustus tax-time was extremely unpopular. Not only was it time to pay out for “services” that folks didn’t agree with, but you had to travel for the privilege to do so.
Aren’t you thrilled when Uncle Sam does all kinds of ridiculous stuff and then sends you the bill? Do you realize how much frustration there would be if every American had to write a check to the government every time they got paid? I will remind you students of American history that some red-blooded Yankees held the Boston Tea party over a 3% tax on tea! You heard me right; the spark that ignited the American Revolution was a 3% tax on tea! How far we have come!
Not only was it tax-time in Luke chapter two, but every one in Israel that was from somewhere else had to return to their hometown. You couldn’t crank up the ‘puter and efile over the Internet. You couldn’t even just fill out a form and mail in a check. Nope. You had to pack your bags and return to the town you were from. Oh yeah, you didn’t have an SUV to throw all your luggage into. Your mode of transportation was old Clyde the donkey.
Did I mention that the wife was due any day? How many of you ladies like to travel when you are great with child? Why did your husband have to be from another place? This is probably one of the worst days of your life!
And when you get to the tiny hamlet of Bethlehem, there are no vacancies in any of the inns. Great! Oh my, … a contraction. And another … and another. It’s time! It is the worst day of your life. Your firstborn is about to come into the world, and you don’t even have a roof over your head.

 Convenience?

Did someone say that the will of God is always convenient? Was that you that said we should just wait for the door to open and waltz into glory? Can’t God make it easier for me? Why does it have to be so hard? Well, on the worst day of Joseph and Mary’s life, God made His appearance.
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Gal 4:4
God’s time was not man’s time.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Is it possible that God was in control of this situation all along? Not only is it possible, it is absolutely certain. God’s purpose was to bring Mary and Joseph to a stable and the precious babe that was born to be laid in a manger. No, He was not born in a convenient way. This was not the birth of a conventional king. He is the Great Shepherd and He came into this world at the worst of times. And yet it was God’s perfect time. This was the fullness of time - God’s perfect time.
All of the disasters that went into this day from Mary and Joseph’s perspective were indeed the plan of God from the beginning of time.

Invite Jesus Into Your Calamity

I want to encourage you to recognize the sacredness of your calamity. Perhaps the political environment is not to your choosing. I know the economy has not been this poor for many years. Maybe it is a hard time for your family. It might be that Christmas is not coming at a convenient time for you this year.
Could it be that the hand of God is at work behind the scenes? Might the Lord not be found directing some of the very things that are troubling you? Why would He do this? God does His greatest work in your life sometimes on your worst day.
Would you welcome Him into your calamity? Would you push aside the hay and give the Lord Jesus the position of honor in your stable? Place Him there in the manger. When you do, you discover that He was born to reign in a world of uncertainty and trouble. Other kings are born for a palace, but Jesus came for the worst day of your life. And He will take you home to glory.
Christmas is the time that we celebrate the advent of our Savior into the world. I must remind you that the first Christmas was a very tumultuous time. There is never a better time to celebrate the presence of Jesus in your life than the worst time.

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