Kenneth Winter's Blog, page 22

Advent - Levi's Story

NOTE : Four weeks ago i began posting a series of five short stories surrounding the incarnational birth of Jesus. This is the fifth and final story in that series. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of the prophecies and events surrounding the advent of Jesus. Some of the characters and details are fictional, but you will find the truth they convey to be very REAL! My prayer is that, through the telling, you are reminded of the Good News of Advent this Christmas season. To that end, let’s look at the account through the eyes of Levi:

Mary – the virgin (November 18)

Eli – the father of Mary (November 25)

Miriam – the hostess (December 2)

Sarah – the granddaughter of Miriam (December 9)

Levi – the rabbi in Bethlehem (This week – December 16) 

* * * * *

I am Levi, the chief rabbi in Bethlehem. Before you become too impressed with my position, remember that Bethlehem is ordinarily a small town – when the census is not taking place – and there are only three rabbis in our synagogue. 

During my younger days, I was a student of Hillel the Elder in Jerusalem. Hillel is still recognized as the highest authority on all spiritual matters among the Pharisees. I remember fondly those days as his student. My friend Gamaliel and I would sit at the feet of our master for hours on end discussing – and at times debating – the finer points of our written Scripture and our oral traditions.

These are the guide for our daily lives as Jews. And my role as a rabbi is not only to teach those truths, but also to be a counselor, a role model, and a guide. I am grateful to Jehovah God for the opportunity to serve Him and guide the people of Bethlehem in following Him. 

My personal passion is the study of the prophetic writings – particularly those that talk about the coming of the Messiah. It has been four hundred years since the last prophetic writing, the Book of Malachi, was written. The prophet predicts the coming of a messenger who will clear the way for the Messiah. There was a time I thought that messenger might be Hillel because of his wisdom and understanding. But he himself acknowledged that he is not the one. We still await the messenger – who will soon be followed by the Messiah.

Even when the Book of Malachi was written, we were under the rule of conquerors. In that day, it was the Persians. Today, it is the Romans. So, we continue to hunger and hope for the arrival of our Messiah to deliver us from the bondage of pagan rule. I wake up each morning hoping it will be the day the Messiah comes.

And I am in the right place to watch for His arrival. The prophet Micah wrote, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, One whose origins are from the distant past.”(1) The Messiah will come from Bethlehem! Could He already be here? Each day I wait and watch!

Today, I returned to Jerusalem for the celebration of Hillel’s 107th birthday as I have done for the past eighteen years I have lived in Bethlehem. It is a rare privilege and blessing to honor this one whom God has seen fit to grant with such a long life. But today, there was something even more unique – and more important – about my time in Jerusalem. Before I tell you what happened, I must first recount some of the events of the past few weeks.

Six weeks ago, I was out unusually late. I rarely have trouble sleeping, but that night I was restless. I decided the best remedy was to go for a walk through town in the hopes it would tire me out. It was a cool, clear night. The stars were shining brightly so I could see clearly.

It was well after midnight when I saw a group of shepherds. They were leaving town and going back to their fields – but I could not help but see their jubilance. One of the shepherds named Moshe told me they had just come from visiting a baby. He told me the most amazing story about an angel who had come to him and the others earlier that night while they were watching over their flocks. The angel announced that the Messiah had been born that night in Bethlehem. 

Moshe went on to explain that the angel had been joined by a large celestial host that had praised God in the announcement of the baby’s birth. The shepherds decided to come to town to see the baby for themselves. They had worshipped the baby and now were returning to their fields.

I could not refute their enthusiasm. They truly believed what they were telling me. As they departed, they directed me to the stable where the baby had been born and told me to go see for myself. But as wonderful as their story sounded, I couldn’t help but question some of the obvious problems with their account.

First, angels had not been seen for hundreds of years. It was hard to imagine that God was sending angels to earth.

Second, if these really were angels, why would they choose to announce the birth of the Messiah to shepherds on a hill? I had spent most of my life studying the prophecies and I had been watching every day. Honestly, if anyone was going to see the arrival of the Messiah it was me. I knew exactly what to look for! Surely, Jehovah God would not entrust such an announcement to a group of uneducated shepherds! He would give that news to men who had been educated in His Scriptures.

Third, the Messiah would not be ushered into the world in an animal’s stable! We were talking about the King of kings! Such an idea was preposterous. I wondered if maybe the shepherds had consumed too much wine that evening. If a baby had been born that night, of course it was cause for celebration – but saying that the baby was the Messiah was just too hard to believe.

I wrote off their announcements to the ramblings of well-meaning men with very active imaginations and continued with my walk through town. There was no need to seek out a stable! I decided to put their ramblings out of my mind.

Over the next few days, I did not hear anyone else in town talking about a baby in a stable. No one else had experienced angelic visitations. No one was announcing the birth of the Son of God. As a matter of fact, no one had announced the birth of any son since the birth of Moshe’s newborn son, Eliezer. As the chief rabbi, I was always alerted about the birth of any baby in town – for the purpose of spiritual blessing, if nothing else. But no announcement came. No baby had been born. Perhaps the Messiah will come tomorrow, I thought. I would continue to wait!

I thought nothing more about it until one week later. A stranger came into the synagogue. He told me his name was Joseph and he was from Nazareth. He had come to Bethlehem with his young wife and she had given birth to a son eight days ago. He went on to explain that he was working in Jerusalem while his wife was recovering in Bethlehem. 

“The baby is eight days old today,” the man said. “We have no place to circumcise the child. Would you circumcise Him here in the synagogue?” He was carrying the baby in his arms swaddled in cloth.

I told him I would be honored to do so. I asked the child’s name, and he proudly declared, “His name is Jesus!” Since a rabbi is not only a spiritual leader, but also is often called upon to assist with medical needs, I have often been asked to circumcise baby boys. So, there was nothing unusual about this request. I recounted the covenant that God had made with Abraham and that through circumcision, this child was entering into that covenant.

After Joseph left with the child, I thought of the shepherds. Was this the baby they had seen in the stable? This family obviously did not live here. Perhaps they had nowhere to stay that night. And there would have been no reason for anyone to tell me about His birth at the time. But now that I’d seen the baby, I didn’t detect anything special about Him. If He was the Messiah, the father had made no such pronouncement. Again, I dismissed the thought.

That was five weeks ago. But last night something unusual happened. I was having trouble sleeping again so I went walking through town. To my amazement I came upon a royal processional! I could tell from their attire and bearing that they were from the east. “These men must be lost,” I thought. “Surely, they are traveling to Jerusalem to see the King. No such group of men has good reason to be in Bethlehem.” But they appeared to know exactly where they were going.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I followed them. They stopped at the home of Achim the carpenter. After exchanging a few words, I saw Achim’s wife usher the entire party inside. The visitors’ servants removed chests from their pack animals and brought them into the home. It appeared the men were coming for an audience with someone … in Bethlehem … in a carpenter’s home.

I decided to wait in the shadows and keep watch on what they did. They remained in the house for quite some time. When they finally exited, I noticed the servants were no longer carrying the chests. I could faintly hear some of what they were saying. But one thing I heard clearly as they passed me on their camels – “Truly, He is the King of kings.” I kept thinking about that statement as I made my way home.

That brings me to today. I left Bethlehem early this morning to make my way here to Jerusalem. As I arrived at the temple, I saw Achim and his sons. They were with Joseph and a young woman who must be the baby’s mother. Among their animals was a donkey bearing the chests I had seen the servants carry into Achim’s home.

At that moment, it all began to make sense. The shepherds. The announcement they had heard from an angel. Royalty from the east who acknowledged a King of kings. The prophecy from Micah. And then my own words came back to me, “If anyone was going to see the arrival of the Messiah it would be me. I would know exactly what to look for!” Perhaps I didn’t know what to look for – but God had caused me to be restless two times in order to see those who had known what to look for!

And God, by His grace, had permitted me to circumcise the child! But He didn’t need to be circumcised to enter into the covenant – He is the fulfillment of the covenant! God had permitted me to see the One for whom I had waited and watched.

As the parents and child entered the temple to bring their offerings of purification and redemption, I realized that this first-born Son does not need to be redeemed – He has come to redeem us! I wanted to shout the words throughout the temple, but God quickened my spirit that it was not my news to tell. He would reveal His Son in His way and in His time. As I stood there watching, I praised God and worshipped Him and His Son. 

When I arrived at Hillel’s birthday celebration, I thought about sharing this good news with him and with Gamaliel – but again I sensed God telling me not to do so. As Hillel made reference to the coming Messiah, it was all I could do not to tell them of His arrival. But that still small voice inside of me said, “His time has not yet come. I will reveal it in the proper time.”

Little did I know what that would mean …

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  Little Did We Know . The complete book of twenty-five stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, for your e-reader, and as an audiobook. Click  HERE   for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1)Micah 5:2

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Advent - Sarah's Story

NOTE : Three weeks ago i began posting a series of five short stories surrounding the incarnational birth of Jesus. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of the prophecies and events surrounding the advent of Jesus. Some of the characters and details are fictional, but you will find the truth they convey to be very REAL! My prayer is that, through the telling, you are reminded of the Good News of Advent this Christmas season. To that end, let’s look at the account through the eyes of five very different individuals:

Mary – the virgin (November 18)

Eli – the father of Mary (November 25)

Miriam – the hostess (December 2)

Sarah – the granddaughter of Miriam (This Week – December 9)

Levi – the rabbi in Bethlehem (December 16) 

* * * * *

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am eight years old. I live in the town of Bethlehem in my grandparents’ home with my mom, dad, uncles, aunts, brothers, sister, and cousins. There are eighteen of us living in the same house. And my aunt is expecting a baby, so guess how many will be in our house then? Nineteen! 

Our home is built into the side of a hill, and the stable where we keep our animals is a cave in the hill. Two years ago, my grandpa Achim added more rooms upstairs in our house. My grandpa says God has blessed him with a big family. He says if God gives us more kids, we’ll just keep adding more rooms to our house! My grandpa, my dad, and my uncles are all carpenters, so that will be easy for them to do.

Not long ago, the Roman emperor said all the people in our land must travel to the town where their family was originally from in order to be counted. Our family is from this town, so we didn’t have to go anywhere! But many of our cousins who live in other towns had to come here. And many of them were going to stay at our house.

Grandpa and grandma had all of us kids move into two rooms so our guests could sleep in our rooms. All of us helped my grandparents get ready for our cousins’ visit.

My grandpa was really happy his cousin Joseph was coming. I was with my grandparents in Jerusalem for Passover earlier this year when they last saw him. My grandpa and Joseph acted like best friends. And grandpa saved a special room in the house just for him.

But then one night grandpa told us Joseph was not going to stay with us. We were all surprised! I saw grandma give my grandpa a strange look, but they didn’t say anything. 

Two days later I was walking through town and saw Shimon, the shepherd boy. He asked me about a baby born in our stable a couple of nights ago. I laughed because I thought he was being silly. But he said he wasn’t playing – there really was a baby because he, his dad, and some other shepherds had come to see Him. And they had met the baby’s parents, too.

Next he told me a wild story about angels and how they talked to the shepherds and told them to go see the baby. Then Shimon looked at me and asked, “Who were they?” 

“I don’t know,” I said. “You’re the one who saw them. Not me!” I decided Shimon really was making up a story!

Later that afternoon, I went to play with one of my cousins who lived in town. She  had company staying with her family, too, including a little boy named James, his father, Clopas, and his mother. I had met James in Jerusalem. He had been with his uncle Joseph and his parents at Passover. James looked surprised when I told him our family was sorry that his uncle did not come to Bethlehem. 

“Of course, he came to Bethlehem,” James said. “He and Aunt Mary both came. Didn’t you see them?”

“No,” I told him. “They couldn’t have come. My grandpa told us Joseph wouldn’t be coming to stay with us.”

“Well, they may not have stayed with you,” James said, “but they came here. And Aunt Mary was going to have a baby.”

“A baby!” I said with surprise. “Shimon told me he saw a baby in our stable.”

“Who is Shimon?” James asked.

“He’s just a shepherd boy I know,” I told him. Then I left so I could get home and find out what was going on. I was really confused!

I told my grandma what Shimon and James had said. She was not surprised at all! She told me that my grandpa would not be happy if he heard me talking about this.

“I cannot tell you what has happened,” Grandma said. “Grandpa will not let me. And you can’t talk to anyone else about it. I hope one day I can tell you. But until then you must promise not to ask any more questions, and you must promise not to talk about it with anyone else, including your parents.”

I promised my grandma that I would keep the secret. And I did!

One night we were eating supper and my aunt Tamar said she had heard a baby crying upstairs in the house. My grandma said, “With all the babies in this house, it’s hard to tell where all of the cries are coming from! But each one is a joy.” 

Later that night, I saw my grandma go upstairs. She was carrying a small pot of food, so I decided to follow her. She went into the empty room that had been saved for Joseph. I quietly walked to the door. I could hear her whispering to someone. Then I heard soft, gentle sounds. “There’s a baby in there!” I said under my breath.

My grandma turned her head to see me just as I stepped through the door. There was a young woman with her, holding a baby. At first my grandma looked angry, but then she smiled and told me to come in and close the door.

The baby had dark, curly hair and the most beautiful, brown eyes I had ever seen. I could not stop looking into His eyes. He smiled as if He knew who I was. He was not like any baby I had ever seen before. There was something very special about Him. The entire room felt peaceful.

“This is the baby the shepherd boy told me he saw in the stable, isn’t He?” I asked.

“Yes, He is,” my grandma said. “Sarah, this is Jesus. And this is His mother, Mary.”

My grandma said that when Joseph and Mary came to our front door, she and my grandpa were surprised. They could tell that Mary was going to have a baby soon. Joseph told them how an angel had visited Mary and told her she was going to have the Son of God. That angel later told Joseph the same thing. So, Joseph married Mary even though she was already pregnant.

My grandpa didn’t believe Joseph. He thought Mary and Joseph had done something wrong, so he told them there was no room for them to stay with us. But grandma told them they could spend the night in our stable. Now it was beginning to make sense! My grandparents had told all of us one night that we could not go in the stable. Now I knew why.

Jesus was born that night! The angels told the shepherds about His birth. And Shimon, his dad, and the other shepherds came to see Jesus in the stable. The next morning, grandpa told Mary and Jesus they could stay in our house until they were ready to go home. But he said Joseph had to stay in Jerusalem.

“Sarah, you cannot tell anyone they are here,” grandma said.

“Can I come help with the baby if I am very quiet about it?” I asked. Mary looked at my grandma and said it was okay with her. She would be happy for the company. Grandma said, “Then it’s okay with me, as long as you don’t let anyone see you.”

For the next few weeks, I carefully made my way to the “empty” room each day to spend time with Mary and Jesus. Mary and I would talk as I held the baby. I would often stare into His eyes – and He would look right back into mine. I never wanted to leave the room when it was my time to go.

Nobody knew about my secret until last night! The sound of heavy footsteps walking upstairs woke us all up. I jumped out of bed to see what was going on. My sister and some of my cousins were already up.

We saw a group of men who looked important and were dressed very different from us. I knew they had come to see Jesus. A young boy carried a pretty box upstairs. It was a present for the baby! When the box was opened, a sweet smell filled the air. My parents and my aunts and uncles stood at the door looking inside.

We all watched as the strangers left our house. Then one by one, my family went into the room and met Jesus. Soon my grandpa walked into the room. I thought he might be angry at all of us for entering the room. But instead, he started crying and fell to his knees. It scared me a little because I had never seen my grandpa cry. 

“I am so sorry, Mary,” he said. “I am so very sorry I did not believe you and Joseph. I did not let you come into my home! I did not let the Son of God into my house! I turned my back on you – and Him! Mary, please forgive me!” Then he looked at baby Jesus and said, “God, please forgive me!”

I will never forget that special night – the night my family and I spent with Jesus. Joseph arrived the next morning to take Mary and Jesus to Jerusalem. But before they left, Joseph and Grandpa hugged for a very long time.

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  Not Too Little To Know . The complete book of ten stories about children who witnessed the advent of Jesus is now available through Amazon in paperback, hardcover print, for your e-reader, and as an audiobook. It is an illustrated chapter book about kids for kids ages 8 and up. Click  HERE  for more information on how you can order your copy.

Each of the children’s stories include a word of explanation at the end of the story, such as this one:

About Sarah

Sarah and her family are not in the Bible. We do know that Bethlehem was Joseph’s “ancestral” home. In those days, Bethlehem would have been a small, out-of-the-way place. Travelers would have stayed in homes – most likely with family. Joseph probably had family who lived in the town. And it is possible his family would have reacted much like Sarah’s grandpa, when he said there was no room for them to stay. We know that Mary gave birth to Jesus in a  stable. But we also know that about six weeks later, when the wise men visited Mary and Jesus, they were staying in a home in Bethlehem. This story explains how all of that might have happened.

You can read about the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:1-7 in the Bible.

* * * * *

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Advent - Miriam's Story

NOTE : Two weeks ago i began posting a series of five short stories surrounding the incarnational birth of Jesus. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of the prophecies and events surrounding the advent of Jesus. Some of the characters and details are fictional, but you will find the truth they convey to be very REAL! My prayer is that, through the telling, you are reminded of the Good News of Advent this Christmas season. To that end, let’s look at the account through the eyes of five very different individuals:

Mary – the virgin (November 18)

Eli – the father of Mary (November 25)

Miriam – the hostess (This week – December 2)

Sarah – the granddaughter of Miriam (December 9)

Levi – the rabbi in Bethlehem (December 16)

* * * * * 

I am Miriam and have lived my entire life here in Bethlehem. In ancient times, the town was called Ephrath, meaning “fruitful.” The first reference to Ephrath in our history is that Jacob’s wife, Rachel, died near here giving birth to their youngest son, Benjamin. That is significant to me because my lineage follows the tribe of Benjamin. As a matter of fact, King Saul was one of my ancestors. My lineage follows his oldest daughter, Merab.

You may recall that King Saul offered to give Merab in marriage to David if he would fight the Philistines. David declined the offer, but subsequently married Saul’s younger daughter Michal. My husband, Achim, comes from the line of David. We often joke that if David had married Merab instead of Michal, Achim and I would have probably been related. But instead, I remained a Benjamite, while Achim’s lineage followed the tribe of Judah. 

Achim and I have known one another since we were children. Our families made an agreement while we were both still very young, so it came as no surprise when we wed one another. I couldn’t have been happier! I had always admired Achim. He is an honorable man – always seeking to do the right thing. If he has any fault, it is that once he makes up his mind, there is no changing it. His decision is final.

I have always respected his decisiveness and been grateful that he is a man of integrity. He fears God and seeks to honor the commandments without fail. He instilled those same traits in our sons. Achim and I have had disagreements on minor things, just like most married couples, but for all of our thirty-five years of marriage we have been like-minded when it pertains to God’s law. That’s what has made this week so hard.

My daughters-in-law and I had been busy for weeks making preparations for out-of-town family members who would be staying with us for the census. We were looking forward to reuniting with family we hadn’t seen for some time. One of those was Achim’s cousin Joseph. He and his wife, Rebekah, had visited with us once years ago. We were sad for him when we learned she had died.  

Then when we saw him in Jerusalem at Passover, we were overjoyed to hear he was betrothed. Happiness had returned to his life. And if anyone deserved some happiness, it was Joseph. So, we were looking forward to his visit and celebrating his good fortune with him while he was here in our home.

When Joseph arrived at our doorway earlier this week, Achim excitedly called out for me to come join him in welcoming our special guest. But I was surprised when my husband did not extend a warm and enthusiastic greeting. Quite the contrary, he appeared to be distressed. 

I could see a beautiful, young woman was with Joseph. She was obviously pregnant. She had that radiance that all expectant mothers have. I could see she was exhausted, so I wanted to quickly get her in our home and off her feet. I wasn’t even thinking about who she was or why she was with Joseph. 

I just saw an expectant young mother who needed to rest. My maternal instincts had taken over as I reached out to escort her into our home. But I was confused when Achim stopped me. I could not imagine why he was being so inhospitable. That simply wasn’t like him.

Obviously, Joseph and the young woman saw our disagreement and felt uncomfortable during the awkward silence that followed. Joseph was the first to speak. “Achim and Miriam, this is Mary, my wife,” he said. 

Immediately my mind started to race. When we saw Joseph in the spring they had only just been betrothed. He had said the marriage feast would be this coming December. But she was now obviously nine months pregnant! I looked at Joseph, then I looked at the young woman, and then I looked at Achim. The puzzled expression on my face must have been obvious. I didn’t know what to say!

Joseph asked if they could enter so Mary could sit down and rest, and he would provide us with further explanation. That made perfect sense to me. We had to let this poor woman get off her feet, so again I reached out to help her inside. I couldn’t understand why Achim continued to stand in the doorway and block their entry, but I was particularly put off when he removed my hand from Mary’s shoulder. Achim was determined to continue the conversation at the doorway and not allow this couple to come inside.

Achim confronted Joseph with the obvious question. Joseph then told us about the Spirit of God, an angel, and a statement that Mary was still a virgin! I will confess it all sounded pretty outlandish! 

I could tell Achim was getting angry – and I understood why. Achim believed that, at best, his cousin and this young woman had broken their marriage covenant and Joseph had lied about it. Or, at worst, this young woman had broken the seventh commandment that states, “Do not commit adultery.”(1) And Joseph was trying to cover up her sin.

Regardless, they had sinned against God, and Achim could not ignore their sin. They were guilty before God. And for my husband, if he allowed them into his home, he would be condoning their sin. His beliefs would not allow him to do that! Therefore, he did the only thing he knew to do – he told them there was no room for them in his home. He even told them there would be no room for them in any home in Bethlehem.

I saw the sadness and hurt in the couple’s eyes. I saw the exhaustion on Mary’s face. And I saw the concern Joseph had for his pregnant wife. At that moment, I was overcome with compassion. No, I didn’t believe their story, but I also was not going to turn my back on this young woman who needed someone to give her shelter. It didn’t matter whether Joseph was our relation or not – I would not turn away any mother in that condition!

So, I did something I had never done. I openly contradicted my husband. I ignored what he said and told them they could spend the night in our stable. Achim started to interrupt me – but I gave him a look that said I was not going to back down on this. 

I directed the couple to the stable and told them I would bring them food and water for the night. I told Achim that we would not breathe a word of this to anyone, including our family. Achim would usher any guests into our home and stable their animals himself. No one was to have contact with Joseph and Mary. My husband and I did not exchange another word that evening.

Later that night after everyone was asleep, I heard the faint cry of a baby. I knew the sound was coming from our stable. I wanted to go see if the couple needed anything, but I decided against it. I did not want to bring attention to them by stirring – and I did not want to further upset my husband.

A short time later, I heard a commotion out in the street. Everyone was asleep in our town. Who would be making such a noise at this time of night? I quietly got up from my bed and looked out the window. It was a group of shepherds. I could see they had made their way to the stable. I had no idea what they were doing there – and now I had to see for myself. It was one thing to not tell anyone about our guests in the stable, but it was quite another to allow them to come to any harm.

I slipped outside and peered into the stable. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I recognized the shepherd Moshe and his young son. They, and the rest of the shepherds, were kneeling on the straw before the baby in the manger – praising God and worshipping the infant. I heard them tell Joseph and Mary how angels had appeared to them in the fields telling them about the child’s birth. The angels had said the baby is the Messiah – and I could tell the shepherds believed every word they were repeating. Maybe Joseph’s story was not as far-fetched as we thought!

The shepherds remained there for some time as  a holy hush came over that place. I saw Moshe’s son linger before the baby as the rest of the shepherds began to leave. Then I looked at the faces of Joseph and Mary. There was a tenderness and even a worshipfulness in their eyes. There wasn’t any shame! Something unusual – and perhaps unexplainable in our own minds – was taking place. I decided I needed to return to the house and tell Achim what I had witnessed.

To his credit, he never questioned whether what I was saying was correct; he just listened as I relayed the events. I told him we needed to invite the family into our home. Whether what I had heard was true or not, we could not allow this young mother and newborn to sleep outside in the cold.

There was no convincing Achim that the baby was the Son of God or that Mary was a virgin. But he agreed that she and the baby could come into our home and stay until Mary’s time of purification came. He was resolute, however, that Joseph could not join them. He would have to leave. As a matter of fact, he would not be permitted to remain in the stable.

Mary and the baby were to stay in the room on the upper floor. None of the family would know they were there, and they would not be permitted to have any contact with anyone else in our home. I realized there would be no further discussion with Achim on these matters. These arrangements would have to do.

The two of us went out to the stable to tell Joseph and Mary. I helped Mary bring the baby inside and got them settled back down for the night. I was grateful that the baby did not cry and awaken anyone. Throughout the weeks that followed, I was amazed at how quiet the baby actually was.

Achim spoke with Joseph and they agreed that he would go to Jerusalem. He could find carpentry work there for a few weeks. He would register for the census early in the morning and then be gone. He would return in eight days for the baby’s circumcision, but otherwise he would stay away until it was time for him and his family to return home.

Early every morning and late each night I brought Mary food and water. For the first few days, Mary rested and regained her strength. And each morning I lingered just a little bit longer in her room. The baby was beautiful with dark hair and dark eyes. In fact, He had the most compelling eyes I had ever seen. When I looked into them, I believed they were intently looking right back at me. I knew that none of my sons was able to do that as babies. But there was something different about this child!

One night, my granddaughter Sarah surprised me by following me to the room and discovering our secret. To her credit, she never told anyone else, including Achim, about Mary and the baby. I was actually grateful for the added help to care for our guests, and I think Mary was glad for the companionship of someone closer to her own age.

As the days and weeks passed, I continued to mull over all that was happening. Were the shepherds right? Did they hear correctly? Was Joseph speaking the truth to us? Is this really the Son of God sleeping in our upper room? Is this truly the Messiah we have been awaiting? Surely, He couldn’t be. Would God send His Messiah in such an unusual way? As each day passed, the more I began to believe it was true.

Little did I know what was still to come …

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  Little Did We Know . The complete book of twenty-five stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, for your e-reader, and as an audiobook. Click  HERE   for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1)Exodus 20:14

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Advent - Eli's Story

NOTE : Starting last week and for the four subsequent weeks, i am posting a total of five short stories surrounding the incarnational birth of Jesus. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of the prophecies and events surrounding the advent of Jesus. Some of the characters and details are fictional, but you will find the truth they convey to be very REAL! My prayer is that, through the telling, you are reminded of the Good News of Advent this Christmas season. To that end, let’s look at the account through the eyes of five very different individuals:

Mary – the virgin (November 18)

Eli – the father of Mary (This week – November 25)

Miriam – the hostess (December 2)

Sarah – the granddaughter of Miriam (December 9)

Levi – the rabbi in Bethlehem (December 16)

 

* * * * *

My name is Eli, and I am the son of Matthat of the line of King David from the tribe of Judah. I am a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. I learned my trade working alongside my father, just as he learned working alongside his father.

As a carpenter, I build the storage buildings and presses needed to process the crops produced in the hills surrounding our home. I exploit the soft limestone of the region to build storage basements for the oil and wine pressed from our olive and grape harvests. I am quite adept in excavating and crafting our structures using the natural limestone available.

My father and I had almost finished excavating a storage basement in the base of a hill on the south side of town. My father was inside the basement doing some of the finishing work when the ceiling collapsed. The basement was immediately filled with falling rock and debris … and my mother instantly became a widow.

I was an only child, so I became the patriarch of our family that day – assuming responsibility for my mother. Then, about one year later, I married a young woman by the name of Abigail. There was no question she stole my heart from the moment I first saw her. Her name means “gives joy” – and joy certainly returned to our home the day she and I wed.

With the death of my father, I needed to find a fellow carpenter with whom I could partner. A carpenter name Joseph had recently arrived in our town. He had moved here from nearby Cana because he had heard work was available. He seemed like an able fellow, so I approached him about working together.

He and his wife, Rebekah, became good friends to Abigail and me. We had similar natures. We shared a passion for God and a desire to serve Him wholeheartedly. When Abigail and I learned that we were expecting a child, they were the first people we told. We knew their hearts rejoiced with us – even though we also knew they longed to have children of their own.

Our little Mary entered into this world about eight months later. From the day she was born, she was a precious gift to her mother and me. I looked forward to the end of each workday so I could be home with my girls – my wife, my mother, and now my daughter. I regretted that my father had never known little Mary – he would have been as besotted with her as I was.

By the time she was four, she would plead with me to bring her along to work. She told me she wanted to be a carpenter just like me. Gratefully, Abigail was there to nurture Mary into becoming a proper little girl. But Abigail would still often lovingly warn me not to spoil Mary. Though she always did so with a smile, I knew there was good counsel in those words.

As Mary grew, she demonstrated a deep-seated and sincere love for Jehovah God. I couldn’t imagine a happier life than we were enjoying.

However, one day that happiness was shattered when my precious Abigail died. Joseph and I were working on the north side of town when Rebekah brought me the news that Abigail had fallen ill, and I was needed at home. Abigail was already dead by the time I arrived. There had been no warning and no indication she was sick. God had suddenly taken her home.

My greatest comfort through those difficult days was my nine-year-old daughter. Though we tried to comfort one another, I knew she did a better job of comforting me than I did of her. In many respects, it caused her to quickly mature beyond her years. Despite my attempts to allow her to still be a child, she became the young “woman” of the house – caring for both me and my mother.

Joseph was also a great strength to me as I walked through those difficult days. Sadly, it wasn’t long after that I was called on to be his strength. Rebekah fell ill with a fever that could not be abated, and one week later she died. Mary and I did the best we could to comfort Joseph, but with our own loss being so recent, we mostly just grieved together.

When Mary was twelve, my mother died. It was another season of sorrow that we walked through together. But just before she died, my mother had challenged me that one day soon I needed to make arrangements for Mary to be wed. She encouraged me to pray and ask Jehovah God to show me what He would have me do. And that is what I did for the next couple of years. 

One day, Joseph and I were again working together as we often did. Somehow our conversation steered toward a discussion of whether either one of us would ever marry again. As he spoke, I sensed a longing in his heart.

Later that night after we parted company, I began to wonder if he and Mary would be a good match. There was a great age difference between them. He was just a few years younger than I was! But he was a kind man – gentle, hardworking, and godly. I knew I would never find a man of any age whom I could trust more to care for my daughter, to love her, and to provide for her. And Mary had become far more mature than her years.

I continued to ponder and pray about the possibility for several months. Then late one afternoon, I approached Joseph with the idea. I wanted to talk to him first and see if he was agreeable before I talked to Mary. I would not force any marriage on her. I just wanted God’s best for her.

Joseph was taken by surprise when I approached him. “Surely you can find a much better match for Mary,” he said. “Someone who is closer in age with whom she can live a long and happy life.”

“I believe I know you as well as I know any man,” I responded. “We have walked together through sorrow and joy. We have worked together, and we have played together. Most importantly, we have prayed together. I have seen your heart – and you have the heart of a man I want for my daughter. And you have the heart that my daughter wants in a husband. Don’t give me an answer now. Pray to Jehovah God and consider what He would have you do. And then we will talk again.”

He agreed to do so. Several days later, he came back to me with his answer. He would marry her – but only if Mary was certain she wanted to marry him. He would not enter into any marriage agreement if she had reservations.

So, I set off to speak with Mary. I was surprised by her reaction. The concerns she expressed were mostly her apprehension about leaving me alone. The idea of marriage to Joseph was not displeasing to her. I told her that Joseph wanted to be certain that she didn’t have any reservations. As I expected, she told me she would pray and seek direction from Jehovah God.

Within a matter of days, she gave me her answer and in early December I proudly announced the betrothal of my daughter to Joseph the carpenter. We had agreed the marriage feast would take place on the same day the following December. Our neighbors all extended their well-wishes and Mary, Joseph, and I were joyful that God was ordering our steps.

About a month later, Mary told me that a messenger had delivered the news that our cousin Elizabeth was expecting a child. Elizabeth is quite a bit older than I am. She and her husband, Zechariah, were both in their old age – and they had no children. So, this was quite a miracle! Mary told me she needed to go to Hebron to be of help to her. I knew the companionship would be a blessing to Elizabeth – and I also knew it would be good for Mary.

Earlier that day, I had encountered a group of merchants who were departing for Hebron the next day. It appeared that Jehovah God had already made the arrangements for Mary to make the trip! She departed the next morning.

I will confess that my home was very empty for the next three months. I missed Mary. Her absence left a great void in our home. But I also knew it was good preparation for me for the future.

The Passover Feast was approaching, so Joseph and I made plans to go to Jerusalem together. Passover is always a good opportunity to catch up with family members we don’t regularly see. It is a great occasion for thankfulness to Jehovah God and celebration with family.

When we arrived at the temple, I sought out my cousin Zechariah to find out how Elizabeth and Mary were doing. I knew he would be pressed by his priestly responsibilities, but I was confident we could find a moment to speak. However, when I did catch up with him, I was alarmed to discover that he was mute. 

He communicated with me through gestures and a few words written quickly on a tablet he carried for that purpose. He conveyed that he and Elizabeth were overjoyed to be expecting a son. I rejoiced with him over the news. He expressed their gratitude for Mary’s visit, and the great help and companionship she was providing to Elizabeth.

It seemed his muteness had something to do with his time in the sanctuary – but I couldn’t fully understand what he was trying to tell me. I was confident Mary would fill me in on the details when she returned home. He indicated that he needed to proceed to the sacrificial altar, so we hastily said our farewells.

Later that day, Joseph introduced me to his cousin Achim, and his wife, Miriam. They lived nearby in Bethlehem. Joseph delightedly told them about his engagement to my daughter and that he looked forward to introducing her to them next Passover. Good wishes were expressed all around before we went our separate ways. Our time in Jerusalem went by quickly and we soon returned to Nazareth – and to my empty home.

A few weeks later, Mary returned! Joseph was there with me in our home and we were both overjoyed! My home lit up when she arrived!

Immediately she told us the news from Hebron, including Zechariah’s encounter with an angel. We could not contain our excitement over the news about the coming Messiah or the role Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son would play in preparing the way. God had truly blessed them! And with the announcement about the Messiah, He had truly blessed all of us!

But then, Mary’s story took a surprising turn. Apparently, she, too, had been visited by an angel – here in Nazareth – the day before she left for Hebron. She had waited three months to tell me what He said. And she was now bearing a child – the Son of the Most High God. The Holy Spirit had “come upon her.” What exactly did that mean? The Messiah, whose arrival we were all anticipating, was inside the womb of my daughter! And she hadn’t told me!

It was a lot to take in. I looked at Joseph and he looked at me. We both looked at Mary. I didn’t know how to respond. I needed to compose my thoughts and pray. I decided the best thing I could do was get alone with God. I was flooded with emotion. And I did not want emotion to control what I said. So, I did the only thing I knew to do – I walked out of the house. I noticed Joseph was right behind me, but I didn’t want to talk to Joseph. I wanted to talk to God.

I know I hurt Mary by abruptly walking out, but I didn’t know what else to do. I made my way to the vineyard to walk and talk with God.

In the vineyard, a peace came over me. First, I knew Mary. And I knew everything she ever told me was true. I knew that if she told me, then an angel had come to her. If she was pregnant,  then the Spirit of God had come upon her! As I thought about how a virgin could conceive a child, I was immediately reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,

and shall call His name Immanuel.”(1)

Nothing was too difficult for God. And by His grace, He had selected my daughter – Abigail’s daughter – to be the mother of His Son!

Why had she waited to tell me? I could only imagine how this news had overwhelmed her. This was a lot for a fifteen-year-old to take in! And she had done so with grace. Then wisely, she had gone to see Elizabeth to seek confirmation.

The momentary hurt I felt because she had kept this news from me faded away and was replaced with great pride. Pride in who my daughter had become, and pride that God thought even more highly of my daughter than I did.

With that, I ran back home and embraced Mary.

I knew the road ahead would be difficult for her – but for now I just wanted to rejoice with her! And I wanted her to know that I loved her!

Little did I know how Joseph would respond. Little did I know how our friends and neighbors would respond. Little did I know what it would mean to be the mother of the Son of the Most High God! But I knew that the One who had so ordered her steps would continue to do so.

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  Little Did We Know . The complete book of twenty-five stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, for your e-reader, and as an audiobook. Click  HERE  for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1) Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Advent - Mary's Story

NOTE : Starting today and for the four weeks that follow, i will be posting a total of five short stories surrounding the incarnational birth of Jesus. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of the prophecies and events surrounding the advent of Jesus. Some of the characters and details are fictional, but you will find the truth they convey to be very REAL! My prayer is that, through the telling, you are reminded of the Good News of Advent this Christmas season. To that end, let’s look at the account through the eyes of five very different individuals:

Mary – the virgin (This week – November 18)

Eli – the father of Mary (November 25)

Miriam – the hostess (December 2)

Sarah – the granddaughter of Miriam (December 9)

Levi – the rabbi in Bethlehem (December 16) 

* * * * *

I am Mary, the Lord’s servant, and I have truly been blessed. 

I was born in the small town of Nazareth in southern Galilee. It is located in the hills a day’s journey westward to the Mediterranean Sea and a day’s journey eastward to the Sea of Galilee. About three hundred people live in our town, so everyone knows everyone else. It is an obscure town; there is no reason for anyone to come visit. There are no Roman palaces or bathhouses or paved streets. As a matter of fact, there are no Romans living here at all.  All our residents are descendants of Abraham.

The town isn’t very old. It was settled about sixty-five years ago when the Hasmonean rulers led our people to expand into the uninhabited regions of the wilderness. The surrounding land is fertile and produces plentiful crops of olives, grapes, and grain. My grandparents’ family was one of the first to move here from Hebron. My grandfather, Matthat, was a carpenter and came here to help construct the cisterns, grain storage facilities, and olive and wine presses needed to support the crops.

My grandfather came from the tribe of Judah and the line of King David. My grandmother came from the priesthood line of Abijah and Aaron. Their son, Eli, followed in his father’s footsteps as a carpenter. He married a beautiful young woman by the name of Abigail. After four years of marriage, God blessed them with a baby girl – me!

My father did not have a son to teach his trade, but he had a daughter who loved to follow him around. I would sometimes hear my mother tell him to be careful that he did not spoil me. But she always did so with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. People tell me that I have my mother’s gentle ways and my father’s determination. But both of my parents continually reminded me that Jehovah God created me for His purpose, and they raised me to walk in His ways – no matter where He leads or how He leads.

My father often worked together with his friend Joseph, who also did not have a son. The two men were similar in age and manner. They were both kind and godly, and I could tell they greatly encouraged one another.

Their bond of friendship was never more obvious than when my mother unexpectantly died when I was nine years old. My father was overcome with grief. My parents had been deeply committed to one another as life partners and best friends. Though they both loved God first and foremost, they loved each other with all of their hearts. It was obvious that part of my father’s heart died with my mother. I saw Joseph do everything he could to encourage my father – as did I.

I became the woman of the house. My grandmother was still living with us, and though she tried to help, she was elderly and limited in what she could do. I worked to maintain my father’s home according to my mother’s standards. And I tried to be strong for him.

Not long after my mother died, we received news that Joseph’s wife, Rebekah, had also passed away. I watched as these two friends lifted each other up in their sorrow and encouraged each other in their continuing journey.

As the years passed, joy returned to both homes – and even, on occasion, laughter. On my fifteenth birthday, my father announced that he had offered my hand in marriage to Joseph. I was surprised he had done so without my knowledge. I always thought I would marry a man much closer to my own age. But Joseph was a kind man, and the idea of marrying him was not displeasing to me. I was more concerned about my father being left alone. Who would take care of him?

My father assured me that he would be fine, and he wanted to make certain that my future was assured. I had now reached an age where it was appropriate for this type of arrangement. But my father told me that Joseph had insisted he would marry me only if that is what I wanted. I promised my father I would pray and seek direction from Jehovah God.

It didn’t take long before I had my answer. I told my father I would marry Joseph with a full heart. It was early December when my father publicly announced our betrothal. The marriage feast would take place in one year.

A few weeks later, I was walking alone in a nearby vineyard on a beautiful, cool day. I was thinking about all the changes the coming year would bring. I wondered what it would be like to be Joseph’s wife. Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere in the path ahead of me. I was immediately struck by his appearance. A light was radiating off of him. Though it was a sunny day, his light was not from the sun.

“Greetings, favored woman!” he said. “The Lord is with you!”(1)

I looked around to see if anyone else was nearby. Nazareth was a small town, so I had never been concerned about going for walks in the fields by myself. But this man startled me. I knew everyone in town – and I did not know him! And he didn’t speak like anyone I knew. 

Obviously, he sensed my fear. “Don’t be afraid, Mary!”(2)

I asked myself how he knew my name. 

 “You have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High.”(3)

As he spoke, a peace came over me, and I knew it was from the Spirit of God. It was the same peace God had given me about marrying Joseph. I knew that before me stood a messenger sent by God. Was he telling me that Joseph and I would one day have a child?

So, I asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am a virgin.”(4)

He replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God.”(5)

The Holy Spirit will come upon me! This will not be Joseph’s child. He will be the Son of God! I was hearing the words, but I didn’t fully comprehend their meaning. It was all so much to take in! A few moments ago, I was walking in a vineyard thinking about my future wedding – and now I was being told that I would bear the Son of God!

The angel closely watched my reaction before he continued. “What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”(6)

Elizabeth was pregnant! She is older than my father! This, too, is according to God’s plan! And at that moment, I knew I needed to travel to Hebron to see her.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” I said. “May everything you have said about me come true.”(7)

Then the angel disappeared as suddenly as he had come. As I pondered our conversation, I knew I was not ready to tell my father this news – nor was I ready to tell Joseph.

I returned home and told my father that a messenger had just brought me word that Elizabeth was expecting a child and I needed to go see her. I didn’t know how long I would be there, but I felt I needed to go assist her. My father was so overjoyed for Elizabeth and Zechariah that he never inquired about the messenger. He encouraged me to go with his full blessing.

My father knew of a group of merchants who were preparing to leave for Hebron the following morning. The journey would take about a week. Gratefully, Jehovah God in His sovereignty had already prepared a way for me to make the journey, so I departed the next morning.

As I traveled to Hebron, I kept thinking about how I was going to tell my father … and Joseph. And now, how was I going to tell Elizabeth? Would she believe me when I told her about an angel appearing to me? And would she believe what he had said?

When I arrived at their home, Zechariah was gone. But Elizabeth greeted me. Immediately I saw that she was great with child. And she had the glow of an expectant mother. I was so happy for her.

But I was taken aback when she cried out to me saying, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?”(8)

I didn’t need to worry about what I would say to Elizabeth – she already knew! She continued, “When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”(9)

I had only been carrying the Son of God for a few days. There was no physical sign that I was pregnant. I had told no one about the angel or what he had said. But Elizabeth knew it all. I doubted that everyone I encountered in the days ahead would know the truth before I told them. And I was sure that not everyone I told in the future would believe me. But for that moment, Elizabeth and I embraced, knowing that God was going before us and He had indeed blessed us greatly!

After we settled in her home, I proceeded to tell her about my encounter with the angel and what he had said. She then told me about Zechariah’s encounter with the angel in the sanctuary of the temple. The angel said their son would be called John and he would prepare the way for the child in my womb. And then she told me the angel’s name was Gabriel.

“Gabriel,” I said, “a messenger from Almighty God! Thank you for telling me his name.”

I stayed with Elizabeth and Zechariah for three months. I tried to help her as much as I could for those last three months of her pregnancy. We rejoiced together throughout that time and knew that God had given us those weeks together.

It was now early April. I was beginning to show – ever so slightly – that I was carrying a child. And I knew I must return to my father and Joseph before it became more obvious. I received word that another caravan was preparing to make its way back toward Nazareth and I knew the time for my departure had arrived. 

It was obvious that the arrival of Elizabeth’s baby was drawing near, but we also knew that I could not delay my return home. So, Elizabeth and I embraced as we said farewell.

All the way home, I continued to ask Jehovah God how He would have me tell my father and Joseph. I knew He would show me. He would not abandon me.

When I arrived home, my father and Joseph were together in my father’s house. They both warmly greeted me and anxiously received my news about Elizabeth, Zechariah, and the baby they were expecting. I told them how the angel Gabriel had come to Zechariah in the sanctuary of the temple. 

They told me they had seen Zechariah in the temple over Passover and how they had discovered he was mute. Now they understood why!

I told them what the angel had said and who the baby was to become – the messenger preparing the way for the One who would also soon arrive. They rejoiced in the news, not only for Zechariah and Elizabeth, but for all mankind. They were hearing the announcement we had hoped to hear all of our lives!

And then I told them about the day Gabriel had appeared to me before I left for Hebron and what he had said. I shared how Elizabeth had greeted me when I arrived in Hebron. I told them what had transpired over the past three months. And I announced that I was carrying the child within me. The Holy Spirit had come upon me and the baby in my womb was now about three months along.

Their excitement about Elizabeth’s news now turned to shock. I was not receiving the same reaction from either one of them that I had received from Elizabeth. I could see they were both trying hard to understand. But they sat there in silence, not even asking a question.

As I came to the end of my account, I said,  

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, 

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and He has done great things for me.

He has helped His servant Israel

and remembered to be merciful.

For He made this promise to our ancestors,

to Abraham and His children forever.”(10)

My father and Joseph looked at each other and then at me. Neither spoke a word. Both got up and walked out of our home, leaving me to stand there alone. As they went outside, they silently walked off in different directions. I turned to my Heavenly Father and prayed.

Little did I know how they would respond. Little did I know how others would respond. Little did I know what the Father had in store for His Son in my womb. But I knew I could trust Him. And I knew I would trust Him!

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  Little Did We Know . The complete book of twenty-five stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, for your e-reader, and as an audiobook. Click  HERE  for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1) Luke 1:28

(2) Luke 1:30

(3) Luke 1:30-32

(4) Luke 1:34

(5) Luke 1:35

(6) Luke 1:36-37

(7) Luke 1:38

(8) Luke 1:42-43

(9) Luke 1:44-45

(10)Luke 1:46-49, 54-55

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

An Opening In The Wall

When Saul returned to Damascus after a three-year journey in the Arabian wilderness,(1) the Jews plotted together to kill him.(2) The “hunter”, Saul, had now become the hunted. Having been an ardent persecutor of Christians, he was fully aware of all of the means that were at the disposal of his “hunters”. He may have actually trained some of those Jews in the best way to capture the Christians. He could anticipate the details of the next steps in the playbook of the plot against him. He had written the playbook! 

He had two good reasons to be self-confident. First, Saul was a brilliant man. He probably had “plays” in his playbook that these men had never thought of. It would have been very easy for him to be overconfident in his own knowledge and his own ability to thwart the plans of those who were plotting against him. He easily could have determined to rely on his own ability to overcome the problem himself.

Second, Jesus had appeared to Saul personally on the road to Damascus. He had just returned from almost three years in the Arabian wilderness being led in a one-on-One journey with the Son of God. He was on a first name basis with the Creator of the universe. He could have begun to believe that he was invincible – kind of like a spiritual “Iron Man”. He could have developed a spiritual arrogance that nothing or no one could defeat him by virtue of his spiritual position.

Do i hear you saying that either or both of those positions would have been silly for him to take? Well, i mention them both because they are positions that we, as believers, have been known to take. When we encounter a difficulty or a challenge in life, too often our first instinct is to fight it off in our own ability or make our own plans. It may be a health issue, a financial setback, a personal attack, or even a spiritual attack – and our first recourse is to try and overcome it “our way”. We’re not going to “bother” God with it. We can deal with it on our own. Our wit, wisdom and strength will get us through.

Or perhaps, we take the “super-Christian” approach of “name it and claim it”. We believe that since we are a child of God, nothing can overtake us or overcome us because we have special privileges. And if something does overcome us, we blame God because it must be His fault, because as His child we are supposed to be exempt from life’s difficulties. As a result, we do nothing, believing we will miraculously escape our problems. But Saul himself (later as Paul) counted it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ. As a matter of fact, he says “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”(3)

And as the writer of the letter to the Roman believers, Paul wrote the truth that Jesus had taught him: “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”(4)

The apostle John did likewise when he wrote, “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.”(5) And Jesus Himself said, “But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”(6)

In all three instances, the Lord tells us that if we ask according to His Word and His will, we can walk assuredly in His answer. Years ago, i heard Dr. Charles Stanley say, “If God tells you to run your head through a brick wall, you start running and trust Him to make a hole in that wall.” The key is what God has said – and once we know what He has said, trusting Him to make the way to bring it about.

Jesus had said that Saul was His chosen instrument to take His “message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”(7) Saul could walk confidently knowing that as long as he continued in obedience according to the Lord’s will that nothing could defeat him until that work was accomplished. And God would make a “hole” even where it otherwise seemed impossible. In Saul’s situation, God made an opening in the city wall for him to escape.

My wife and i are currently running head-first toward a wall. God has given us a clear promise through His Word. He continues to affirm His promise almost every day through His Word and in so many other ways. In our own strength and according to our own ability, it is an impossible task. We are not running toward the wall because we think it is a good idea. In our own wisdom, we think it is a terrible idea. But we believe with all our hearts that it is what God has told us to do. And He has promised us that in His perfect timing and in His perfect way, He will make an opening in that wall. So the question before us is – do we trust Him at His word? And if so, are we willing to charge ahead according to His word? Do we trust that when we arrive at the wall He will make the opening? It won’t happen through our own ability. It won’t happen simply because we are His children. It will only happen if we are walking by faith, trusting Him at His word.

That’s what Saul did. And God made an opening in the wall. The result was that the Good News was preached to the nations. God’s work was accomplished in His way according to His word and for His glory. That was true two thousand years ago for Saul in Damascus. And it is just as true for each one of us today!

* * * * * 

(1)  Galatians 1:16-18

(2)  Acts 9:23-25 (NLT)

After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

(3)  2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

(4)  Romans 8:26-28 (NLT)

(5)  1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)

(6)  John 15:7 (NLT)

(7)  Acts 9:15 (NLT)

Adapted from Until He Returns, ch.26

Photo by Lightstock

The Day The Sun Stood Still

“Let the sun stand still over Gibeon….”(1)

Though Joshua is the one who voiced that prayer, it did not begin in his heart. It was birthed in the heart of God! The sun standing still was not a part of a battle strategy that Joshua and the other leaders had devised. Even though it was highly effective that day, they never included that particular strategy in any of their future battle plans. They never again used that prayer in some type of last-ditch effort when the tide of battle was not going in their direction – kind of like a “Hail, Mary” pass in the final seconds of a football game. 

That prayer was divinely inspired for that specific moment in time by God. He not only chose the request; He chose the time at which it would be uttered. And though it was birthed from His heart, He required that it be expressed through the voice of a man (Joshua) before He answered it. That prayer was not expressed to change the heart of God and beseech Him to do something He did not want to do. Rather, that prayer was communicated from God’s heart to Joshua’s heart, so that Joshua and the people could join with Him in His activity. 

God could have very easily caused the sun to stand still without Joshua voicing the prayer. He could have told Joshua that this was what He was going to do, and then the Israelites could watch and see His mighty work – just like they had the day they crossed the Jordan River. On that day, God had not told Joshua to stand at the edge of the water and pray in front of the people for Him to stop the flow of the river. Rather, He had simply told Joshua to have the priests step into the river. And as they took that step of faith, God had supernaturally intervened.

But this time the step of faith was to pray a prayer that was completely out of this world. As a matter of fact, it was “93 million miles out of this world”! And Joshua prayed it boldly in front of all the people. He didn’t retreat to his private prayer closet so he could voice this quietly as a prayer that was just between he and God. He didn’t share this with just his small group with the caveat – “LORD, if it is Your will….” No, he prayed it boldly – and if God did not answer this prayer by causing the sun to stand still, someone was going to come off looking very bad – either Joshua or God.

In order to pray that prayer, Joshua not only had to have the confidence that the prayer was according to God’s will, he had to be confident that God had the absolute power to be able to fulfill it. It was. He did. And God chose to do just that.

… The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!(2)

i believe that God intended to do much more through that prayer than simply defeat the Amorite armies that day:

   1. Through it, God affirmed His servant. By that i don’t mean that Joshua was to be put on a pedestal as a person. Joshua didn’t cause the sun to stand still. It wasn’t his idea; and it sure wasn’t his power. But God had placed Joshua in his position of leadership, and God uniquely anointed and equipped him to lead God’s people. He had an accountability and responsibility before God for the people and for his actions unlike any other. And the LORD used this prayer and His answer to affirm that Joshua was His servant and the people were to follow him.

   2. Through it, God affirmed His people. Repeatedly throughout the exodus, the wilderness journey and the occupation of the Promised Land, God affirmed His promise dating back to Abraham that the Israelites were His people, called by His Name, set aside for His purpose to bring glory to His Name. His Name was known far and wide. The kings of the armies the Israelites were chasing on that day had attacked the Gibeonites out of a motivation of fear of the LORD. His Name and His mighty acts were known, and the Israelites were known to be His people. Our God is still on mission to make His Name known and His plan is still to do so through His people. And if we name the name of Christ, we are His people. He still desires to affirm His people through His mighty works.

   3. Through it, God affirmed His rule over all creation. He caused the sun to stand still. He stopped the flow of the Jordan River during flood stage. He caused hail to fall and destroy the retreating Amorite armies. He caused manna to appear daily, and then no longer appear. He caused impregnable walls to miraculously collapse. He caused the blind to see and the lame to walk. He calmed the storm and stilled the waves. He caused the dead to rise again. He is still the Ruler of all things. He is still the Creator of all things.

   4. Through it, God affirmed that He – and He alone – is able to turn back the darkness. Just as He was able to keep it at bay for hours, He is able to eradicate it forever. “Light shines in the darkness for the godly.”(3) “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”(4) “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all.”(5) 

The Israelites advanced to victory that day because God was fighting for His people. And He still “fights” for His people. He is still able to cause the sun to stand still. Just as He had Joshua join with Him in a great miracle that brought glory to His Name that day, He desires each of His children to join with Him today in a way that will bring glory to His Name. The miracle might look different, but He’s the same God with the same ability and the same purpose. 

So, it begs the question: what sun is He wanting to stand still in and through our lives today?

* * * * * 

(1)  Joshua 10:12 (NLT)

(2)  Joshua 10:13-14 (NLT)

(3)  Psalm 112:4 (NLT)

(4)  John 1:5 (NLT)

(5)  1 John 1:5 (NLT) 

Adapted from Possessing The Promise, ch.25

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash

Trustworthy

From the very beginning, God has chosen to work through ordinary men and women to accomplish His work. There is a quality that is glaringly consistent among all of them. It’s not that they were the smartest, or the strongest, or the richest, or even the bravest. They weren’t all the best educated, or the best looking, or the best positioned, or even the best equipped. They weren’t the most well-spoken, the most experienced, the most creative, or even the most athletic. It wasn’t their talent that set them apart. It wasn’t their achievements or their pedigree. Each of them may have had one or two of these traits, but there is only one characteristic that was true for each and every one. God looked on their hearts and saw that they were trustworthy.

They were by no means perfect. As a matter of fact, every one of them was flawed. Noah was known to drink too much. Abraham was known to lie whenever he thought it was to his advantage. Jacob was a deceiver. Moses had a bad temper. David committed adultery and even murder. Solomon was blinded by pride. Isaiah had a foul mouth. Peter denied his Lord. And Paul refused to extend grace when he should have.

There is a whole host of others who God used that were questionable choices at best. And there are many whose flaws we do not know – but their sin nature assures us they had them – just like every one of us. In many respects, we are all like the religious leaders who came before Jesus to accuse the adulterous woman. He could easily kneel on the ground in front of us and write a reason in the sand that would disqualify every one of us from serving. But instead, by His mercy, He extends His gracious invitation to each of us. Instead of our abilities or even despite our flaws, He looks at our hearts. 

The Lord came to Abraham when He was preparing to raise up a nation dedicated to His purpose. He called out to Moses when He was preparing to deliver His people out of slavery. He anointed the shepherd David to lead His people. He placed Esther in the king’s palace to save His people from destruction. He surprised Mary with the news that she would bear His Son. And Jesus chose twelve ordinary, uneducated men to deliver the Good News to the world. All because He looked on their hearts and knew they were trustworthy.

These are challenging days. Our world is being assaulted on all sides by the weapons of disease, divisiveness, and deceit. But even though the days may be unsettling and confusing, our Lord has assured us that He has plans for us – plans for good and not for disaster, and plans to give us a future and a hope.(1)

And He is still looking to accomplish those plans through people whose hearts are trustworthy. They are plans we cannot imagine on our own. They are plans of a divine proportion. Plans that God will use to fulfill His mission and bring glory to His Name. Plans that will work together for our good.

The people God used in Scripture to bring about His plans weren’t seeking significant mandates from Him. They simply responded to His invitation when He extended it. And He extended His invitation because He knew they had hearts that were trustworthy. 

In the midst of all the noise that is swirling around us today, there are a lot of people who claim to have the solution. In too many of the cases, their motives are questionable at best. God’s looking for those whose hearts are trustworthy. What about us? Are we looking for those whose hearts are trustworthy as well? And, even more importantly, are our hearts trustworthy?

If there ever was a day that our hearts need to be turned toward Him, it’s today. Today is the day for our hearts to be surrendered to Him and trustworthy. Today is the day for us to trust Him … walk closely with Him … and watch Him accomplish through our lives that which we never dreamed would be possible.(2)

* * * * * 

(1) Jeremiah 29:11

(2) Ephesians 3:20

Photo by Yann Gbs on Unsplash

Greater is He

When the Word of God is being proclaimed through word or action, you can be assured that the enemy will make every effort to try to oppose and pervert the truth, and try to discourage the proclaimer. That’s a good reminder as to why God hasn’t called us to be loner Jedi warriors. He has wired us to be in fellowship with other believers. And most often, He sends us out in teams of two or more, just like He did His disciples in Luke 10 – so that we can encourage, exhort and uphold one another. 

But even more importantly, Jesus has uniquely equipped us so that we will never stand alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit to dwell within us – so that by Him we are empowered to be His witnesses.(1) And John wrote to remind us: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”(2) Jesus knows who and what we will encounter. He has known it since before the beginning of time and He has given us all that we need to overcome it. 

Such was the case in Paphos, one day about two thousand years ago.(3) God in His sovereignty had orchestrated that four men would encounter one another in the governor’s court in that Roman capital of Cyprus. The first was a man named Joseph, who we know better as Barnabas. God had gifted him to be an encourager and an exhorter. Barnabas had the ability to enable those around him who were down to be lifted up. However, he wasn’t dispensing a hollow hope built on a substanceless foundation. He was an ambassador of the genuine hope, assurance and encouragement that is built on the substance of the Truth of God. It was the Truth that had given him the confidence to bravely take Saul before the apostles in Jerusalem when all others feared him. It was that Truth that had enabled him to know that he was to take Saul to Antioch to disciple the new believers there. It was that Truth that gave him the courage and the boldness to stand before a demon-filled sorcerer on this particular day.

The second was a man named Saul, who we also know as Paul. He had once been a persecutor of the church, but now he was a servant of Christ and a bold proclaimer of Truth. He had studied the Scripture at the feet of some of the best Jewish Scholars, but more importantly, he had travelled throughout the wilderness of Arabia being schooled by none other than Jesus Himself. And He had the Spirit of Christ dwelling within him. He could proclaim the Truth with confidence because he knew the One from whom it had come had called him to carry it forth. 

The giftedness of these two men complemented one another. The encouraging nature of Barnabas opened doors through which Paul was able to speak apostolic words of Truth. The prophetic nature of Paul provoked Barnabas to even greater understanding of the Truths of God which enabled him to be an even greater exhorter and encourager. God knew exactly what each of these two men needed and sovereignly brought them together for His purpose.

The third was a man named Bar-Jesus, who became known as Elymas. This instrument of deceit and fraud was a Jewish sorcerer. Talk about an oxymoron! The Jews were chosen and set apart by God to be His people, but this sorcerer – this dispenser of black magic – had chosen to be a servant of Satan. Apparently his assignment from the evil one was to keep the governor from ever accepting the Truth by blinding him and frustrating the attempts of Barnabas and Paul to proclaim the Truth to him. That continues to be one of Satan’s strategies today.

The fourth was a man named Sergius Paulus, the governor of Cyprus. Sergius Paulus was a seeker of Truth. He had invited Barnabas and Paul to visit him because he wanted to hear and know the Truth. The enemy did not want that to happen. He never does! Elymas distracted the governor with his magic, his lies and his interruptions. But Satan knew that he was a defeated foe – he was then, and he remains so today.  As the liar that he is, he had never warned Elymas that his efforts would ultimately fail. Thus, his instrument, Elymas, was on the losing side of the battle. He may have appeared to be victorious for the moment, but his victory was to be short-lived. It always is! Satan will never prevail – no matter how dark things may look at the moment. Our Almighty God is the Sovereign Victor! 

God, through His Spirit, enabled Paul to boldly confront the lies with Truth. As a result, the eyes of Sergius Paulus were opened, and the eyes of Elymas were blinded. God in His sovereignty even used the defeat of the deception of Elymas to bring Himself glory. What Satan had intended for evil, God used for His glory.(4)God still does – and He always will.

Are you encountering an “Elymas” today who is spreading lies and attempting to defeat you? Remember, “He who is in you is greater….” Has God brought a “Sergius Paulus” across your path who needs to hear God’s Truth today? Be the “Barnabas” or the “Paul” that he/she needs to hear from, and remember that “He who is in you is greater….” And He will always be … without end … until He returns.

 

Greater is He  

I face a giant
In over my head
Help me to look up
I take a deep breath
And take the next step
Though I may be weak
I know who is with me

 

And greater is He living in me
Than he who is in the world
Whatever may come, His strength is enough
My heart is at peace, for greater is He

 

I face an ocean
The waves are raging
Help me to look up
You'll do what I can't
And I'll walk on dry land
I'll step out on the sea
'Cause I know who is with me

 

And greater is He living in me
Than he who is in the world
Whatever may come, His strength is enough
My heart is at peace, for greater is He

 

And in His name, giants will fall
And in His name, oceans will part
And in His name, there's nothing we won't overcome
This is our God, this is our God
This is our God, this is our God

 

And greater is He living in me
Than he who is in the world
Whatever may come, His strength is enough
My heart is at peace, for greater is He

 

Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Casey Brown / Blanca Callahan

Greater Is He lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Essential Music Publishing

Sung by Blanca

* * * * * 

(1)  Acts 1:8

(2)  1 John 4:4 (ESV)

(3)  Acts 13:6-12 (NLT)

Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing. Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

(4)  Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20

Adapted from Until He Returns, Ch. 36

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Philip Graves on Unsplash

Way Maker

The big day was just one day away! Over fourteen thousand days (40 years) had passed since the Israelites had begun their journey. The next day they would finally cross over into the Promised Land.(1)

i don’t know the details of your particular journey, but i would venture that you have not been waiting for forty years to cross over into God’s promise. i also do not know where you are in your journey – you may be at that place that you are preparing to cross over into the place God has promised you – or you may still have a ways to go. But be mindful that no matter where you are, you have not passed this way before.

Just like the Israelites, we are journeying into the unknown. There are barriers ahead – those we can see (like the Jordan River and the walls surrounding the city of Jericho), and those we have not yet seen. There are adversaries ahead – those that will be obvious (like the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites and the rest of the “ites”) and those that will not be so obvious (like the Gibeonites(2)). God has never said that His promise ahead would be absent of barriers and adversaries. However, He has said that He will never leave us nor forsake us.(3) And just like His promise to the Israelites as they stood on the banks of the Jordan River, He has promised that He will go before us and go with us. He had always gone before them – and once more He was promising to always be – their Way Maker.

A significant change was about to take place in their journey. For forty years they had been led by a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire. Wherever God had led them, a pillar had gone before them. Now, as they prepared to cross the Jordan River, God made no mention of a pillar. For forty years, the pillar had been a clear indication of His direction and His presence. But now the Ark would go before them – representing the covenant (His Word) between God and His people. His Word would now be leading the way – heralding His promise that if He “is for us, who can be against us”(4) – and marking out the path they were to follow. 

Inside the Ark were the tablets containing the Law. On the outside was the mercy seat – representing God’s judgement and grace. Together, the Ark was the picture of God’s divine law under His judgement and grace – a perfect representation of not only His presence but also His favor. It is a picture to us of the embodiment of His Word and His Spirit as He leads and directs us in our steps.

When they saw the Ark move, the people were to follow it. This is an important distinction. The people were not taking the Ark with them; rather, they were following the Ark. It was not their role to establish the direction and then justify it with the presence of the Ark. Rather they were to walk fully-surrendered to the direction of the Ark. 

Our pride often rebels against doing that. We are willing to cry out to God to ask for His wisdom as long as we get to make the decision. But the point of following the Ark was that God made the decisions! They were to follow His Word, walk under His grace and be led by His Spirit. Does that mean that they were to be mindless drones? No, it means they were to be children and servants of the Most High God – walking in the wisdom that begins in the fear of the Lord.(5) They were to walk as far as He directed … in the path He directed … and no further, until He led them to do so.

And they were to keep a clear distance between themselves and the Ark. That distance provided three important reminders to them – and to us. First, the Ark did not require the protection of the Israelites, rather they required the protection of the Ark. God’s Word, leadership and direction in our lives does not require our defense or protection, rather we are to align our lives with His Word, His Spirit and His leadership, and live and rest under the shadow of the Almighty.(6) There are times when God will clearly direct us to do things that make no earthly sense. But we will know that we are doing exactly what God has directed us to do. We need to resist the temptation to “defend” God’s Word. If we have clearly heard from His Word, and He has affirmed that direction through godly counsel and circumstance, we must follow Him boldly – clearly articulating His Word and His direction – and setting it before us so that those watching us know it. Then allow Him to protect and defend His own Word.

Second, setting the Ark a clear distance ahead enabled the Israelites to clearly see His direction. We must continue to stay postured in His Word, in His Spirit and to His leadership in such a way that we are following Him – not turning to the side, not running ahead, but staying on pace with Him – keeping Him clearly in our sights.

Third, keeping the Ark a clear distance ahead of them insured that those who saw them would clearly see that it was the God of Israel who was leading them. We must make sure that we are walking in a way that clearly communicates that our lives and walk are in complete alignment with His Word, His Spirit and His leadership. We must not make compromises that detract from His leadership.

In that regard, Joshua admonished the people to purify themselves – to be prepared to follow the Ark. He assured them – just as we need to be assured – that the Lord would do great wonders before them and in their midst. They – and we – are walking in a way that we have never gone before. There are no other tracks to follow or on which to rely. That can be a scary place – but take heart – we are following the Way Maker.

We must separate ourselves from anything that will distract us or cloud our vision. The fact that there are “no tracks to follow” may in fact help us on this point. We must stay focused on the One who is leading us, not the journey itself or the distractions along the way.

And lastly, we must be mindful that as the Way Maker goes before us; He is wholly-devoted to us. He has extended His love, His grace and His mercy – even His own Son – that we might walk clothed in His righteousness in a relationship with Him. He chose us. He saved us. He goes before us. The path that He is leading us on right now – whatever it is – He will use to accomplish whatever needs to be accomplished – in … and through … our lives. He can accomplish it without us. But we cannot do it without Him! And He has chosen to use us! 

So – let’s stop, right now – and acknowledge Him! We have not passed this way before. But by His grace, the Way Maker is going before us. And He will lead us through!        

Way Maker  

You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You
I worship You

 

You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
(Repeat)

 

You are here, touching every heart
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, healing every life
I worship You
I worship You

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
(Repeat)

 

That is who You are
(Repeat 7x)

 

By faith I believe that

 

Even when I don't see it, You're working
Even when I don't feel it, You're working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working

(Repeat)

 

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
(Repeat)

 

You are here

Way maker

I worship You

I worship You

 

Songwriter: Osinachi Okoro

Sung by Mandisa

* * * * * 

(1)  Joshua 3:1-8

(2)  Joshua 9

(3)  Hebrews 13:5

(4)  Romans 8:31

(5)  Proverbs 1:7

(6)  Psalm 91:1

Adapted from Possessing the Promise, Ch. 6

Copyright © 2020 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash