A Strange Way To Save The World

And Joseph said, “Why me?  I’m just a simple man of trade.
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world?
Why here inside this stable filled with hay?
Why her?  She’s just an ordinary girl.”
Now I’m not one to second guess what angels have to say,
But this is such a strange way to save the world. [Clark Harris Koch]

“Rejoice and shout in triumph O people of Jerusalem!  Look, your righteous and victorious King is coming to you, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey, a donkey’s colt.  Your King will bring peace to the nations to all the ends of the earth.” [Zechariah 9: 9] 

hy was the Son of God born in a tiny stable in an obscure village in the presence of his Mother and Father and a few animals?  Why did God choose a manger over a mansion?  Why Joseph, why Mary?  Why were the first ones present at Jesus’ birth a group of lowly shepherds who were just doing what they do faithfully, watching over their flocks at night?  Why did the Angel appear to them and why was the night sky illuminated with Angels too numerous to even count rejoicing and singing “Glory to God in the highest, peace and goodwill toward men?”  “Now I’m not one to second guess, what Angels have to say……….But this is such a strange way to save the world.”

God sent His only Son to save the world.  Thirty years later Jesus would remind Nicodemus (a future follower) that he did not come into this world to condemn it, but He came to save it.  I’m sure Nicodemus was part of the crowd who lined the streets and watched closely as the King of all Kings, Lord of Lords, entered the gates of Jerusalem in all majesty, splendor and glory….....riding on the back of a donkey.  Why a donkey?  Why a stable filled with hay? Why? 

We ask “why” all the time?  We know how important it is to cast our cares and our burdens on the Lord.  We have faith, we trust, we know what the scriptures say.  We know what we are supposed to do, yet we turn things over to God and then take them right back.  Why do we think God needs our help?  We have been asking “why” ever since man was created.  Adam and Eve said, “Why not?”  Moses said, “Why me?” Joshua said, “Why did You?”  Aaron said, “Why can’t I?”  David said, “Why don’t I?”  And Jesus said “Why do you question?”  “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart;” Why?  So we will “not depend on our own understanding.”  “And seek His will in all you do;”  Why?  Because “He will show you what path to take.”

Instead of questioning let’s rejoice in knowing God is in control.  God created the universe as far as the eye can see, He created the galaxies and spun the stars.  He sent His Son to be the Savior of the world in a most humble, loving fashion.  What maybe a “strange way” to us is God’s perfect way of telling us He knows our name, and He loves us no matter what!   

-r anderson

Click Here for a Printable December Blessing Journal Page