God is now Following You on Twitter

You can imagine my surprise this week when I received an e-mail from Twitter saying, "God is now following you on Twitter." I have always believed that God is omnipresent--certainly always near wherever I am. But this was something new. Jodi wrote about it for her Easter 2010 Seattle Times column. Here is what she said:

I turned to see what had caused my husband's outburst of laughter. "Now that's a new one!" he chuckled, pointing to the subject line of an e-mail notification he'd just received. "It says, 'God is now following you on Twitter.'"

Sure enough, someone who'd claimed "God" as their Twitter account name had started following my husband's tweets. It got even funnier as we read on:

"You may follow God as well by clicking on the 'follow' button on their profile. If you believe God is engaging in abusive behavior on Twitter, you may report God for spam.”

"God may not appear in your follower list. God may have decided to stop following you, or the account may have been suspended for a Terms of Service violation."
I know my husband is an amazing man with many admirers, but this takes it to a whole new level. He'd better be careful what he tweets these days!

We live in an interesting time. There are so many ways to stay connected, even with people we don't know and will likely never meet. Yet for all our social networking and technology-enabled associations, I'm not sure we've made much of a dent in the world's loneliness equation. There's just something about looking someone in the eye and having face-to-face conversations that can't be replaced by pithy quips on a computer screen.

When I first began to write this column, I had a photo shoot so that I could be properly introduced to Seattle Times readers. The photographer was a delightful person, a true pro who put me at ease as she did her work. For one shot, she had me sitting outside under a large tree. "Look up like you're looking at God," she instructed. I looked up. "Now bring God just a little lower," she added.

I lowered my gaze and smiled. We'd been chatting about this column and what I might write about. "You just gave me an idea for a column!" I replied. "I think that's what Jesus did. As a Christian, I believe He brought the essence of God, His truth, character, and love down to eye level, so we could see and know Him."

One biblical writer calls Jesus "the Word" the understandable human expression of the divine God:

So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. No one has ever seen God. But his only Son, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart; he has told us about him.

John 1:14, 18 New Living Translation NLT

Jesus is God at eye level. His death on the cross means that God came down to us — to look us in the eye, to bear our sin and pain. But Easter, which I will celebrate with millions of Christians around the globe on Sunday, means also that He intends to raise us up to His level. When we proclaim He is risen!, we're acknowledging that Jesus faced down humanity's greatest enemy, death, and won.

The biblical writer Peter says it so well:

Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NLT)

Now that is a God worth following and I don't mean on Twitter.

You can also read the article online here:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011493425_detrick03m.html

Keep Christ in Christmas!

In December of 1965 I was about to turn eleven years old and a fifth grader at Dundee Elementary School in Dundee, Oregon. It was a tradition for the fifth grade class to recite the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-14 in the annual school Christmas program. Harold Wilson, our teacher, instilled in us a belief that our recital of these fourteen verses from the King James Version would be the highlight of the evening’s festivities.

So at the appointed hour, the school gym, where hours before we had played basketball or “red rover,” became a nativity scene. With anxious parents looking on from their folding chairs in neatly formed rows on the floor, we took our places on the stage. Although I have many memories of Sunday School and grade school Christmas pageants where I alternately played a shepherd, wise man, or Joseph while wearing my bathrobe and sandals as a costume, none stand more clearly in my mind than that particular night as we stood before that audience. Hours of memorization paid off as we began to recite the familiar words, “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. . ..”

As we finished with, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” the audience rose to their feet with thunderous applause. Mr. Wilson beamed, our parents glowed, and we were all thankful that we had completed our assignment without missing a word. Looking back, that evening was a highlight of my young life. I had quoted many great authors from that stage—Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Patrick Henry’s “the war inevitable” and various works of prose and poetry. But none seemed as inspiring as quoting from the greatest story ever told.

Even the knowledge that the event would soon culminate in a visit from Santa Claus, played by Mr. Vinson, our school janitor, who at 120 pounds was a skinny substitute for the real thing, did not stem my enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment at that moment. The reward for all the students was a coveted sack of candy, which Santa Claus distributed to all participants. Inside the brown paper bag was an obligatory inventory that included an orange, a few walnuts and hazelnuts (Dundee was known as the “nut capital of the USA” in those days!), a peppermint candy cane, assorted hard or ribbon candies that stuck together and nobody ever liked, and a few jelly/gummy orange slices. If you were lucky, you received a bag that contained the most cherished prize: one or two delectable mounds of flavored sugar, covered with chocolate. Maybe I’m just sentimental, or given to nostalgia, but the warm feelings from that evening fill my heart to this day.

It was no secret that Mr. Wilson was a born-again Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church. Nor was it a secret that he was an excellent teacher, devoted to his craft and to his students. I knew him as an engaging teacher, a caring coach, a volunteer vacation Bible school leader, and a man that impacted my impressionable young life by showing me that the world was bigger than the humble environment of our family farm.

I remember the bulletin board he prepared for our school that year. In those days it seemed fashionable to abbreviate Christmas as "Xmas". Mr. Wilson would have none of that. In capital letters his bulletin board message boldly proclaimed "Keep Christ in Christmas." No one protested or ridiculed—at least not publicly. Deep in our hearts, we knew that the message was true. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, not just another “happy holiday.”

A lot has changed since then. The freedom to express his Christian faith that Mr. Wilson enjoyed as an American educator has slowly eroded over the last forty-three years. Most would agree that the erosion of that freedom has coincided with an erosion of values. Courts and school boards in many jurisdictions have decided it is illegal for public expressions about the real meaning of Christmas, and that is a shame.

The fact is, you really can't remove Christ from Christmas. After all, it is His birthday. It would be politically incorrect to try to distance most holidays from the birthdays they commemorate. For example, to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day without a discussion of his life, death and accomplishments would be unheard of in the twenty-first century.

Jesus Christ was a real person cutting a far wider swath in history than any contemporary human being. We even count the years on our calendar from His birth. So why shouldn't we allow the historical details of his birth, life and death to be publicly proclaimed? D. James Kennedy wrote:

"The truth is this: Had Jesus never been born, this world would be far more miserable than it is. In fact, many of man's noblest and kindest deeds find their motivation in love for Jesus Christ; and some of our greatest accomplishments also have their origin in service rendered to the humble Carpenter of Nazareth."[1]

For the past thirty some-years, our family gathers around the tree on Christmas Eve. These days, that circle includes our children and two granddaughters, sometimes accompanied by other assorted family members and friends. Before opening our presents, our traditions include my recitation of the Christmas story. Those timeless and familiar words from Luke’s Gospel entered my mind in 1965, but they also entered my heart. They never left my heart, and I hope they never do.

About twenty years ago I wrote a similar article on this theme that was published in The Pentecostal Evangel. I sent a copy of it to Mr. Wilson, thanking him for the impact he made on my young life. Later I met with him and we reminisced about those days. Since then, we’ve lost track of each other. I’m not sure if he is still living, but if he is, I’d like to say, “Thanks, Mr. Wilson. Thanks for taking an interest in children and devoting your life to helping them learn and become better citizens and better people. Thanks for helping us remember to ‘Keep Christ in Christmas.’” It was good advice back then, and it is good advice today. In fact, it always will be.

[1]Kennedy, D. James What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1994, introduction.

(c)2008 Don Detrick

Lessons About the Birth of Christ

Lessons About The Birth of Christ
Galatians 4:4 & Luke 2:1-20
(c) 2008 Don Detrick

MAIN THOUGHT: The Christmas story offers hope to all people, in all places, for all time.

1. God’s purposes are always redemptive.

As much as it pains me to have to say it, a woman was responsible for bringing about the fall of mankind. It was Eve who first ate the forbidden fruit and then shared it with her husband Adam (1 Timothy 2:13-14). Through the disobedience of our original parents, sin was passed down to all of us (Romans 5:12).

Of course the serpent, Satan, was responsible for tempting the woman in the first place (Genesis 3:1-8). The consequences of sin were both immediate and delayed. Genesis 3:14-15 says “So the LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you will be punished. You are singled out from all the domestic and wild animals of the whole earth to be cursed. You will grovel in the dust as long as you live, crawling along on your belly. From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

In theological terms, this is called the protoevangelium[1], literally “the first gospel, or good news.” Symbolically, it alludes to the future coming of Jesus Christ as the One who would “crush the serpent’s head” – a fatal blow, while at the same time having “His heel” bruised, or struck by the serpent. Though Jesus died on the cross, the resurrection was the fatal blow to Satan’s domination of the human race, and through the passion of Christ, God made possible redemption of the human race.

God has always had a plan, and His plans are always redemptive. In essence, that which was lost through the original sin of Eve was rescued, restored and redeemed through the work of the Savior. So it is significant that just as a woman was responsible for bringing about the fall of man, God used a woman, Mary (Galatians 4:4), to bring redemption to mankind through the birth of the second Adam, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22-45).

Mary was convinced of God's mighty power. Her faith led her to believe that He was able to do anything. And because of her faith, she was a willing participant in God's plan for eternal salvation. In response to the angel's message (Luke 1:37 NKJV) "For with God nothing shall be impossible,” Mary replied (Luke 1:38 NKJV) "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

For us, redemption often means rescue, or something good coming from something potentially bad. Mary had been invited to a wedding in Cana, along with Jesus and His disciples. Probably the worst thing that could happen at such an event was for the host to run out of food or drink. When the host came to Mary with the news that he had run out of wine, the stage was set for Jesus to perform His first miracle. And it happened because of Mary’s admonition: "Whatever He (Jesus) says to you, do it." (John 2:5) Because of her faith in His Word, the first of many redemptive miracles occurred in the ministry of Jesus.

Mary understood the concept of redemption. After all, she was chosen by God to play a key role in His plan of redemption. She must have marveled as she listened to the words of the prophet Isaiah, and realized that he was speaking about her: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” As she stood at the foot of the cross, watching her Son's tortured death, she knew that He was dying for her sins, as well as the sins of the whole world. No doubt Isaiah’s prophecy gave her solace in her hour of grief:

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked; But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:3-11 NKJV)

2. God can use little, insignificant things for significant purposes.

A digit in a telephone number isn’t big, but what a big difference one digit can make when trying to reach a specific party. Little things like spark plugs, batteries, valves, and seals are seldom thought about until one malfunctions and your automotive wheels of progress grind to a halt. Little snowflakes create huge avalanches and little viruses can cause major diseases. I once heard Paul Harvey say that two cats and their offspring can produce a total of 17 million cats within nine years! A person who pays attention to the little details will avoid a lot of major problems in life.

On the other hand, most people don’t pay a lot of attention to the little details of life. And it is for this very reason that many people feel they are just another face in a crowd. Not worthless, but not significant either - just average, without much expectation of grandeur.

It’s not that average people don’t think they could become heroes or successful. It’s just that their talents haven’t been discovered yet, or other people get all the breaks, or they are never in the right place at the right time, or they just don’t have the right connections, and on and on the list goes. This tension between reality and what we dream about must have led Thoreau to write that the “mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”[2]

When I was in the 6th grade, I was enthralled with The Monkees (a ‘60’s rock group) and my little sister and I never missed their television show if we could help it. Their theme song contained these lyrics “Hey, hey we’re the Monkees, you never know where we’ll be found. So you better get ready, we might be coming to your town.”

That last line always bothered me. I saw it as kind of a cruel joke. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see them in person. I wore a stocking cap like Michael Nesmith and wanted to play a 12-string guitar like he did. But when they sang, “we might be coming to your town,” I was always profoundly disappointed. Even though I was young, I was smart enough to know that a popular group like The Monkees weren’t ever coming to my town. Nobody important ever came to a backwater town like Newberg, Oregon. The Monkees only went to places like New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Even if they came to Portland or Seattle, it was a sure bet my parents wouldn’t take me there for that purpose. Though I now cherish my rural upbringing, I resented it then. It seemed to me like nothing exciting ever happened in my hometown.

One of the most significant Bible prophecies about the birth of Christ is about a small town. Micah 5:2 (written about 700 B.C.) states that Christ would be born in Bethlehem. "But you, Bethlehem, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2 NKJV) Have you ever felt insignificant, like a small number in a world full of billions of numbers, “little among the thousands?” The birth of Christ in Bethlehem illustrates the fact that God can use little, insignificant things for significant purposes.

The Old Testament book of Ruth is set in the region of Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-2,19,22; 2:4; 4:11). Ruth chronicles how Bethlehem became the hometown of David and the place where he was anointed. (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17:12,15). Perhaps you’ve never thought of some of the little details about Bethlehem that had significant consequences in biblical history. Here are a couple to think about:

Little words can leave lasting impressions: Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law Naomi may not have seemed significant at the time, but they have been remembered throughout history: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16 NKJV)

Little choices can have dramatic consequences: Ruth chose to go to Bethlehem with Naomi, and because she did, a drama ensued that reached from her day to ours. In Bethlehem, she met her husband Boaz. Their son was named Obed, and he became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. As a result of her little choice to accompany her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, she became the great-grandmother of King David, and her name is included in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” was a small village in the days of Ruth. It is not a large city today, lying approximately five miles southwest of Jerusalem. While it once had a significant Christian population, the town is now controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has an Islamic mayor. Poverty and war fill Bethlehem this December.

Because of the conflict in the region, no large crowds of pilgrims will arrive to celebrate Christmas 2008. In recent years, the few Christmas trees decorating the town have not contained lights or ornaments, but pictures of martyrs in the Islamic jihad[4].

Since Herod killed the children in the area around Bethlehem, the town has seen a lot of trouble. Over the centuries Bethlehem has been ruled by dozens of different governments and leaders, yet this small town’s significance is forever established in history: From here was born the One who would rule the world and reign over the universe forever and ever. All of which leads me to my final point:

3. God is always in control, even if it doesn’t seem like it to us.

We have an old adage, "the only things that are certain are death and taxes." That saying was true in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. An emperor's taxes caused Him to be born there, and an earthly king's decree ordered all babies to be killed. Through Divine intervention, He escaped. God was in control, even when it seemed like someone else was calling the shots.

When Jesus was born Augustus had been ruler of the Roman Empire for twenty-five years. He was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar and the first true emperor of the entire Roman Empire. After the death of Julius Caesar he defeated Brutus and Cassius in a battle at Philippi in 42 B.C. He defeated Antony & Cleopatra in 31 B.C. at the Battle of Actium, thus gaining control of the entire Empire at the age of 35. The Roman Senate changed his name from Octavian to Augustus (literally "Reverend" - an honorary title to indicate his power and dominion).

Augustus was influential in establishing the system of Roman roads - many of which exist to this day. He was responsible for establishing the concept of the Pax Romana - the Roman Peace. This emperor was able to do what no one had done for at least 200 years before him - brought peace. He reigned as Caesar for 41 years. Two words characterized his life and influence: glory and peace. Writer N.T. Wright says about him:

This man, this king, this absolute monarch, lifts his little finger in Rome, and about fifteen hundred miles away, in an obscure province, a young couple undertakes a hazardous journey, resulting in the birth of a child in a little town that just happens to be the one mentioned in the ancient Hebrew prophecy about the coming of the Messiah. And it is at this birth that the angels sing of glory and peace. Which is the reality, and which is the parody? [5]

Many Bible scholars speculate that Joseph still owned property in Bethlehem, therefore he was required to travel there for the census. The Bible Background Commentary says it was quite possible that Mary was also originally from Bethlehem and needed to return to that town. "Although tax laws in most of the empire required only the head of the household to appear, the province of Syria (then including Palestine) also taxed women."[6]

Herod (73 B.C.- 4 B.C.) had built a massive fortified palace nearby. In fact, it was the largest in the world at the time. The Herodium, like Masada, was one link in a chain of desert fortresses King Herod built during his reign, and was located 5 miles east of Bethlehem.

The circular protective wall had four circular watchtowers with 200 marble steps leading to the summit where there were rich royal apartments, providing Herod with security and beauty. Within the wall below were enclosed a palace, hot and cold Roman baths, a synagogue, and a banquet hall as big as a football stadium, all 2600 feet above sea level and 980 feet above the desert floor.

In addition to the mountaintop fortress, the Herodium complex, which covered more than 50 acres, originally included a large monumental palace and a huge football-field sized swimming pool surrounded by a luxuriant royal garden, both fed from distant aqueducts built at great expense. Distinct remains of a thousand-foot long hippodrome, or horse race track may be seen even today.

While Herod lived in unbelievable opulence, splendor and security, the real King, Jesus Christ, was born in a stable nearby. When I did or said something foolish as a youngster, I might be asked, “Were you born in a barn?” How ironic that the One who formed the universe, and breathed into man the breath of life, was willing to come to earth and literally be born in a barn!

Appearances can be very deceiving. Don’t despair. Even when things seem most chaotic, most confusing, and most difficult – God is still in control. He can be trusted, because He has a plan (Romans 8:28). He knows the end from the beginning and the beginning to the end because He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13).

The birth of the King - Jesus Christ - was not announced to King Herod, but to shepherds and wise men. Though He was only a baby, Herod feared him. He knew Jesus was the One who would be greater than all earthly kings. Thus, he ordered all male babies under the age of two in the region around Bethlehem to be slaughtered. This infanticide was only one of a multitude of atrocities committed by the tyrannical Herod.

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, Herod died in Jericho. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus describes Herod's funeral procession from Jericho to the Herodium where he was buried:

After this they betook themselves to prepare for the king's funeral; and Archelaus omitted nothing of magnificence therein, but brought out all the royal ornaments to augment the pomp of the deceased. There was a bier all of gold, embroidered with precious stones, and a purple bed of various contexture with the dead body upon it, covered with purple; and a diadem was put upon his head, and a crown of gold above it, and a sceptre in his right hand; and near to the bier were Herod's sons, and a multitude of his kindred; next to whom came his guards, and the regiment of the Thracians, the Germans also and Gauls, all outfitted as if they were going to war; but the rest of the army went foremost, armed and following their captains and officers in a regular manner; after whom, five hundred of his domestic servants and freedmen followed, with sweet spices in their hands; and the body was carried two hundred furlongs to Herodium, where he had given order to be buried. And this shall suffice for the conclusion of the life of Herod.[7]

With all his pomp, power, and splendor, Herod is dead and forgotten by most, but Jesus Christ still lives on. We celebrate His birth this December, not just as the Bethlehem baby, but also as the Ruler of the universe. His power is greater than any politician. His compassion is stronger than the hatred, evil, and bigotry of Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. His wisdom transcends every philosophy known to man. His Gospel is more powerful than any religion. His forgiveness covers every sin known to mankind. And His love reaches out to every person on planet earth, including you and me.

APPLICATION :

· Even if your circumstances right now are difficult, how can God help you to make them redemptive?
· Thank God for the little blessings that come to your life this week.
· Jesus is the real gift of Christmas. If you have never accepted His gift of eternal life, why not do so today? (John 1:12; 3:16)


[1] http://www.bibleteachingnotes.com/ot/gen/gen03.asp
[2] Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) quoted from Walden, “Economy” (1854).
[3] http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/12/03/LatestNews/LatestNews.39273.html
[4] “Palestinians say Israel steals holiday joy” Jerusalem Post; Jerusalem; Nov 26, 2001; Reuters;
[5]"The Most Dangerous Baby" by N.T. Wright. Christianity Today, December 9, 1996, p. 35.
[6]Keener, Craig "The IVP Bible Background Commentary, New Testament." Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1993, p. 193.
[7]Josephus, Antiquities Volume XVII, Chapter 6, p. 1-8; Wars I. Chapter 33, p.1-9.

God's Greatest Surprises: A Christmas Message

God’s Greatest Surprises
James 1:2-4 NLT & Selected Scriptures (c) 2008 Don Detrick

MAIN THOUGHT: God sometimes surprises us by concealing miraculous opportunities in unlikely people, unexpected places and unfavorable circumstances.

A beautifully wrapped gift, carefully tied with a ribbon and bow, symbolizes this season of the year for many. But you can’t always tell a gift by its package. I’ve received some beautifully wrapped gifts in my day and many of them turned out to be duds. On the other hand, some of the most wonderful and enduring gifts I’ve ever received didn’t come beautifully packaged.

If you’ve read the Purpose Driven Life, you’re familiar with the phrase, “transformed by trouble.” Sometimes God’s greatest surprises are opportunities He carefully conceals behind a façade of trouble. James wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (James 1:2-4 NLT)

Someone once paraphrased this passage by saying, “We miss great opportunities because they often come cleverly disguised as problems.” Perhaps a more generalized anecdote would be this rendition: “We miss great opportunities because they often come cleverly disguised.”

The truth is, opportunities are often missed not because they appear to be problems, but because they appear to be ordinary. Sometimes we miss opportunities because they swiftly and unexpectedly appear in unforeseen places so we aren’t prepared to seize the moment. And at still other times we throw away opportunities because we fail to recognize the potential value in them.

Aunt Eddie Ogan, is a 70-something lady from Colville who has given so much to missions and penned the story, “The Rich Family In Our Church.” In a letter a few years ago she wrote:

By now you all know the Yankees went to the World Series and lost. Because I loved Babe Ruth so much as I was growing up, I always want the Yankees to win. When I was growing up in the 30’s and 40’s you got baseball cards in your bubble gum. I wanted the Babe Ruth cards. Girls never saved them, but everyone knew I was a tomboy so when girls didn’t want their cards, I’d take them. Then I’d trade with the boys, several cards I didn’t want for one Babe Ruth. That was all I wanted, Babe Ruth cards. I always kept them clean and neat. They were my prized possession. When I went to work for the telephone company at age 18, I really started to collect, even buying some.

In 1952 I got married. I knew I was too old to be collecting baseball cards, but I kept my 64 Babe Ruth cards. I never told people about them, because I was embarrassed to be a married woman who had a collection of Babe Ruth cards. At the end of November 1953, my husband was returning from 20 months in the service so I was cleaning out the bedroom at home where I had been living with my parents. My stepfather had the burn barrel going and I burned a lot of old stuff. I was ready to leave for my new apartment with my husband. The only thing left was my precious box of Babe Ruth cards. I opened the box and looked at each card one last time. Then I straightened my shoulders and walked out to the burn barrel and threw in the box. I was ready to enter my new life as a full-fledged adult.

A few years ago when one of our foster sons collected baseball cards, I was surprised to learn from a Beckett book what vintage baseball cards were worth. I almost had a heart attack when I read the current value of the Babe Ruth cards I had burned in that burn barrel. I thought about what I could have done for missions with all that money and decided the best thing to do was just try to forget!

We’d all love to be able to find a knickknack on a shelf at home that turned out to be worth a million dollars. The Antiques Roadshow is a very popular television show for the simple reason that we are amazed to see ordinary people bring in trinkets or family heirlooms and discover they are worth a fortune. We may have overlooked a vast resource of potential treasure in our own closet, attic, garage or backyard because it wasn’t packaged in a conventional way.

We often judge by outward appearance, and our judgment is superficial. The Bible says, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) You would be surprised if you could see the heart of every person and really get to the heart of every matter. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways God surprises us.

1. God surprises us by using unlikely people to fulfill His purposes.

It takes so little to be above average. A study showed that the average American spends $240 a month eating out at fast food restaurants. The same study showed an average American spends only $5 a month helping the needy.[1] If you give more than $5 a month to missions or some outreach to help others, you are above average. Yet we often think of ourselves as unlikely candidates to accomplish great things. The Bible record tells us otherwise.

It shouldn’t surprise us that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things and unlikely people to fulfill His purposes. For example:

· God used a farmer with no maritime experience to build the greatest floating vessel ever constructed and lead a voyage to save the human race. (Noah – Hebrews 11:7)

· God used childless senior citizens, who were too old to qualify for life insurance policies at any price, to bring forth a baby boy named Isaac, who would be a patriarch of God’s chosen people. (Abraham and Sarah – Hebrews 11:8-12)

· God used a man with a speech impediment to be His spokesman and debate the undisputed leader of the most powerful nation on earth at the time. (Moses – Exodus 4:10)

· God used a young shepherd boy with no military experience to defeat the greatest military giant Israel had ever faced. (David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17)

· And God used a poor young girl from an obscure village to give birth to His only begotten Son.

In the Roman world at the time of Christ, leaders gave themselves grandiose titles to try and elevate themselves to godlike status. Caesar Augustus ruled the world when Jesus was born. He died August 19, A.D. 14 and a description of his funeral gives some indication of his power and wealth:

On a couch of ivory and gold, with purple and gold coverings, lay a wax image of the emperor in triumphal garb; his body was in a coffin underneath. Senators carried the couch and coffin to the Forum; behind it came other images of him and of his ancestors and relatives. After various eulogies and ceremonies, his body was carried to the Campus Martius and placed on a pyre. Around it marched all the Roman priests; then came all the equestrians, with cavalry and the Praetorian Guard, throwing on the pyre their own military decorations. Centurions lighted the pyre with torches, and as the corpse and wax image were consumed an eagle flew upward from the pyre to carry the emperor’s soul to heaven. The senator Numerius Atticus took oath that he had seen the emperor ascending to heaven, for which the emperor’s widow, Livia, paid him a million sesterces.[2]

Here’s my point: As self-appointed “king of the world,” Caesar Augustus would never have considered marrying anyone other than a blueblood royal with a pedigree longer than her name. In fact, his own father (by adoption), Julius Caesar, had made Cleopatra Queen of Egypt. The world expected pomp and circumstance to surround the birth, life and death of a royal figure.

After the death of Julius Caesar, Augustus defeated Brutus and Cassius in a battle at Philippi in 42 B.C. He defeated Antony & Cleopatra in 31 B.C. at the Battle of Actium, thus gaining control of the entire Empire at the age of 35. The Roman Senate changed his name from Octavian to Augustus (literally "Reverend" - an honorary title to indicate his power and dominion).

Now here’s the surprise: the real King of Kings and Lord of Lords was actually born during the reign of Caesar Augustus, but it wasn’t Caesar’s son. And He wasn’t born to a Cleopatra or a Livia.

He was born to Mary, an impoverished peasant girl living in a backwater town. God chose Mary not because of her outward beauty, wealth, or intelligence, but because of the beauty in her heart. The Bible says,

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:28-30 NIV)

Mary’s heart was right with God and she was convinced of God's mighty power. Her faith led her to believe that He was able to do anything. And because of her faith, she was a willing participant in God's plan for eternal salvation. In response to the angel's message (Luke 1:37 NKJV), Mary replied, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38 NKJV)

2. God surprises us by using unexpected places as settings for miraculous events.

We tend to commemorate celebrity appearances and enshrine memorials of their visits. The McKinley Stump in Chehalis, WA is such an example. A Google search on the Internet for “Chehalis McKinley stump,” brought forth this information from the Travelcascadia[3] website: “The McKinley Stump holds claim to the origin of a "stump speech" when President McKinley stood on the historic stump to deliver a speech in 1903.”

Actually, that would have been quite a fete considering the fact that President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, two years earlier. Actually, McKinley had been scheduled to make an appearance in Chehalis and a huge old growth stump was brought into town from the woods to serve as a platform for the occasion. It was so large, they had to widen the road to bring it into town.

And the truth is, it was pretty common for politicians in the old days to stand on a stump while pounding the podium in order to be noticed and get the crowd’s attention. “Stumping” became a term to describe political campaigning way before the 20th century.

After McKinley’s assassination, President Teddy Roosevelt did make an appearance in Chehalis and addressed 10,000 people from the stump in 1903. So why it isn’t called the Roosevelt stump? Probably because McKinley took on larger-than-life status after his assassination, thus in those days “McKinley” sounded a lot more magnificent than “Roosevelt.” Just as we might think “Kennedy” conveys more prestige than “Johnson.”

Whether we like it or not, a sleepy little town like Chehalis isn’t exactly on the map of places you’d be most likely to spot a celebrity. After all, the stump was originally provided for McKinley. Thus, to enhance the popular perception of the day, the residents of Chehalis opted for the more glorious “McKinley stump” than the mundane title, “Roosevelt Stump.”

In the days of Caesar Augustus, Bethlehem wasn’t exactly on the map of places frequented by the rich and famous, either. True, Herod had built a huge fortress nearby, but he and his entourage would never have considered partying in the town.

Bethlehem was known as the “house of bread” – an impoverished community inhabited by shepherds and farmers and working poor. The Old Testament book of Ruth is set in the region of Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-2,19,22; 2:4; 4:11). Ruth chronicles how Bethlehem became the hometown of David and the place where he was anointed. (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17:12,15).

One of the most significant Bible prophecies about the birth of Christ concerns Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 (written about 700 B.C.) states that Christ would be born there. "But you, Bethlehem, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2 NKJV) The birth of Christ in Bethlehem illustrates the fact that God can use unexpected places as settings for miraculous events.

Jesus did not travel to exotic or metropolitan places to perform miracles. He didn’t live in a gated community surrounded by security guards. He went wherever people were and performed miracles wherever He found people in need. The Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5) was healed near a graveyard way off the beaten path. But He healed blind Bartimaeus as he begged by the roadside (Mark 10:46). Jesus wants to do miracles for us today, wherever we live or wherever we are.

3. God surprises us by using unfavorable circumstances to show forth His mighty power.

An old song says, “If I never had a problem, I’d never know that God could solve them.” Not only does God remind us that our problems are opportunities for a joyful response, but He seems to rejoice in helping us solve our problems. He has lots of experience. The birth of Jesus Christ was fraught with problems. Consider just a few:

· His earthly parents were poor.

· His mother was forced to make a long journey on foot just before His birth.

· Once at their destination, there were inadequate facilities available for lodging, not to mention the birth of a child.

· He was born with the stigma of illegitimacy.

· The regional government threatened the baby’s life.

· The parents were forced to flee to another country to protect the life of the child.

It’s almost as if God was saying, “Surprise! You expect My Son to be born in a palace, surrounded by princes and princesses, but I want Him to be born in a stable – the place where lambs are born.” Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), was born in a stable.

When I did or said something foolish as a youngster, I might be asked, “Were you born in a barn?” How ironic that the One who formed the universe, and breathed into man the breath of life, was willing to come to earth and literally be born in a barn!

The apostle Paul wrote, “I was chosen to explain to everyone this plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God's purpose was to show His wisdom in all its rich variety to all the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. They will see this when Jews and Gentiles are joined together in His church. This was His plan from all eternity, and it has now been carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ephesians 3:9-11 NLT)

From our side of history, with a clear understanding of Bible prophecy and Scripture, the birth of Christ makes perfect sense. After all, we know the rest of the story. But what if we were transported back in time? And what if we didn’t know the rest of the story? Wouldn’t it appear that things were totally out of control?

This is an important lesson for us. Unfavorable circumstances can be fertile ground for planting seeds of faith. And those seeds can sprout into a harvest of miracles so glorious that you almost forget the planting process.

Don’t despair, because that is what all of life is: a process. Even when things seem most chaotic, most confusing, and most difficult – God is still working and still in control. He can be trusted, because He has a plan (Romans 8:28). He knows the end from the beginning and the beginning to the end because He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13). God often surprises us by using unfavorable circumstances to display His mighty power. Are you ready for a surprise?

Some Suggestions:

· As you send out or receive Christmas cards next month, pray for the recipient or sender.

· Even if your circumstances right now are difficult, how could God surprise you with a miracle?

· If you have children at home, help them memorize Luke 2:1-14, and encourage them to do so before Christmas.

· Memorize Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (NIV)

[1] “Go Figure,” Christianity Today, December 2003, p. 19. Source: University of Rochester, Mobile Register.
[2] Augustus To Constantine by Robert M. Grant. Barnes & Noble, 1996, p. 5.
[3] http://www.travelcascadia.com/chehalis/