Change: Shaking Up the Status Quo
Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:8-21
God declares in Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” One of the things this verse tells us is that our view of life is limited and that we should not be content with the status quo. That passage continues to say that God’s word will go out and accomplish His purpose which results in our joy and peace. The story of Christ’s birth speaks to some of God’s dynamics of change.
Stability and Change
Both can be good or bad
We experience both in varying degrees
How do we embrace God’s gift of stability and change?
Perception and Reality
Not in a state capitol but in a small town
Not to earthly royalty but to ordinary people
Not in a palace but in a stable and fields with sheep
Not to the elite but to working class and foreigners
Not with wide proclamation but to a few
What is our perception of life and what is God’s reality?
Receiving and Responding
Not our initiative but God’s work
Not with pride or privilege but with humility
Not controlling information but open to truth
Not closed to what is new but ready for what God brings
Not seeking self-exaltation but glorifying God
Not pursuing greater earthly treasure but treasuring Jesus
Not containing truth and joy but making it known
How do we receive and respond to God’s truth and grace?
