December 22: The Easy Road? Not so Much.

December 22:

Luke 2:1-7  “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  

What a kick in the teeth.   

That's not the typical reaction to the birth story; I agree. Don't get me wrong; second only to Christ's Crucifixion, this is the best story ever. I'm just thinking about Mary and Joseph again.

Both Mary and Joseph had specifically chosen to obey God’s command rather than go their own ways, and this was how they were rewarded for their obedience? One problem after another had arisen since making the decision to follow God’s instructions.

First, a census was decreed.  Mary was obviously far enough along in her pregnancy that if she were living in today’s day and age, her doctor would not have allowed her to travel.  However, since the decree was made by Caesar Augustus, and it was a non-negotiable law, Joseph saddled up the donkey, and off they went.

Then, as soon as they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. It seems as though Murphy’s Law was already in full swing back then. Rather than have the baby in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by women she trusted, Mary ended up having to give birth in a foreign city. . .

And in a stable.  Yeah, that was the third complication.  Since everybody was in town for the big census, the hotels were full. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Joseph did the best he could to make his bride comfortable, but ultimately, she ended up delivering Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a cold, stinky, dirty barn.

In addition, since she hadn’t figured on having a baby on this quick trip to Bethlehem, Mary had not brought along any supplies either.  Therefore, Mary did the best she could by gathering up whatever strips of cloth or rags she could find, so she could wrap the baby up – protecting him from the elements.

Now, of course, we are aware that God orchestrated all of this specifically as part of His plan. Even before He takes His first mortal breath, God was already showing us how to do this thing called life.  In fact, every aspect of His mortal existence was meant as a model. Even so, imagine Joseph and Mary’s exasperation concerning the situation.  After all, even though they were extraordinary examples of faith, they were, in fact, human.

Put yourself in their places.  Here you had sacrificed everything important to you – your reputation, your family’s reputation, your entire life's circumstances – to specifically follow God’s lead. You are a Sunday School success story.  You passed the test. You chose God over yourself.  Therefore, it follows that you should be rewarded for your efforts.  But what is your reward? One problem after another. What a rip off. 

Here is the deal.  Following God does not guarantee an easy path.  Actually, it is usually quite the opposite.  The world, specifically Satan, is not a fan of spiritual obedience, and He will send in His A-Team to take a person down once s/he has chosen God’s way. Choose God and prepare to have the whole world reject you.

Kevin Thompson, in his blog article, “A Dangerous Assumption About God’s Will,” says, “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to make wise choices and obey God’s commands. However, our obedience will not guarantee immediate success.”


When faced with obstacles, it is important not to assume that we have made the wrong choice.  It is even more important to stay connected to God in these circumstances.  As the old adage goes, “If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”  Even though He doesn’t create the hindrances, God allows them to happen according to His purposes. We may be confused, disillusioned, and disappointed, but the fact is that God always the situation under control. Always. 


As Kevin Thompson continues, “We are guaranteed that when we obey, a day will come in which we will never regret it. Obey. And if suffering or failure follows your obedience, don’t be too quick to assume you have chosen wrongly. You obey and leave the outcomes to God.”


And that’s exactly what Joseph and Mary continued to do.  In these verses, Luke gives no indication that Joseph or Mary complained, doubted, or hesitated.  In spite of all the setbacks and complications, Joseph and Mary persisted in faith and obedience because at the end of the day, that is all they had to give – themselves. 

That's all we have too. Therefore, a life of faith and obedience, although a difficult existence while on Earth, sounds like good idea to me. He has promised that if we choose Him, eternity with Him is a  given with the bonus of blessings beyond our wildest imaginations. Sounds too good to be true? It's the truth since it comes from the only One who is the source of what is good and true. I'm in.  How about you?


Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”


Psalm 39:7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”


Challenge: Share something today with someone else – even and especially if you don’t want to.