While there were hundred of prophesies about the coming Messiah, when was born, the world had no room for Him! The truth is that the world still has no room for Him!
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
At around the time of Jesus’ birth, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census should be taken and everyone should go to their own ancestral hometown to register. This was not a good time to have a baby. So when the time came for Mary to give birth they could not find an inn. Joseph and Mary were poor based on their offering at the temple, so we can surmise that the inn had room for those who had the money, but not for the poor. Again, Jesus was uninvited because his family did not have the monetary or political advantage to obtain a room.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Dwelt: to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle
John 1:14 describes Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us. The word “dwelling” means a tabernacle or a tent. Clearly, Jesus knew that He was not wanted by most people. On many occasions, people responded with joy temporarily until it became difficult and painful to follow Him! Furthermore, the religious people could not stand Him because Jesus was a threat to their little kingdoms! The world had no room for Jesus, and Jesus was not surprised or taken back by it. Here are a few thoughts:
1. The world would still rather celebrate His birth and think of Him as baby in a manger than be reminded of the Prince of Peace who bought salvation and eternal life for humanity!
2. In the natural, there is never a good time for Jesus in someone’s life. Most people do not choose and welcome Jesus in when the circumstances of their lives are favorable. Many people, including Christians, don’t have room for Him except when they are in need! His presence in their lives is a temporary dwelling because most of the time He is uninvited in their day-to- day lives! There is no room for Him.
3. He came in an unexpected form. He entered the world in the form of a baby. He was known as a carpenter from Nazareth! He will continue to reveal Himself in unexpected ways, which will require us to put away the lens of our cultural and church upbringing, so we can see the simplicity of His presence dwelling among us. The woman at the well discerned who He was without knowing anything about Him. (John 4:1-26)
4. If we are going to be Christ-like, we must handle rejection. Generally, people tend to be self-absorbed. That means they gravitate towards a believer because they have a need or attracted to something in their lives, but once the need is over, they may move on. As a believer, we can’t take this personally. We should understand the human nature and continue to look to the Lord for encouragement.
We are not here on earth to establish a permanent dwelling place, or ministry, but we must be willing to go wherever the Lord sends us. We are sojourners on this earth and recognizing the purpose of God in different situations can guard us from unnecessary rejection.
Let’s pray and make room for Jesus to dwell in our lives even when we think it’s not a good time, or we’re too busy. Is there anything better than a visitation by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in this busy season!?
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay