Willingness to Disturb

Luke 2:1, 4-5 (NKJV®)
A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. … Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

The Romans worshipped their ruler, Caesar Augustus, as a god in addition to their many other pagan gods. Joseph and Mary worshipped Almighty God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—but they lived within the Roman Empire and were subject to its rulers, laws, and customs. It was into this world that Jesus was born, and His coming troubled even His own people. When the Jewish king heard that wise men had asked, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” … “Herod was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:2-3, NIV®). Jesus will continue to disturb this world until He comes again. But the salvation He offers is the best news the world will ever hear, and we must continue to share it—even when it makes some people uncomfortable.

THINK ABOUT IT
We are Jesus's ambassadors, sent to tell the world of His redemptive work. It will take courage and strength to fulfill our assignment.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Jesus is the way, truth, and life, and no one can come to You except through Him. Help me be faithful, no matter the cost, to lift His name everywhere I am and declare that He is the only pathway to Your Kingdom. In His name, amen.