As we leave the Old Testament and fast forward 400 years to the New Testament times, I wonder about the Israelites' faith during those 400 years. After such a dramatic and active presence of God for so many years, I wonder if during this relatively silent time most people felt like God had abandoned them. The faith of those who continued to follow God's laws and trust in His existence, love, and desire to fellowship with His people is an incredible testimony.
God is going to reintroduce Himself to humans in a mind-boggling manner. We are about to meet God in human form. As we read of those closely involved, we know that some were ready to receive the Word and some were not. In these short four chapters, we see several key figures in this story. Let's take a look at some of their responses.
Joseph
I really felt for Joseph while reading of him and his role in this grand event. He was a righteous man who was betrothed to wed Mary. I realized for the first time that God not only chose Mary to be Jesus' mother, but clearly chose Joseph as well to be Jesus' legal, earthly father. He was to give Jesus his name. He was to protect, love, care for, and raise Jesus. Joseph was not so sure at first, but he was obedient to God's plan revealed through dreams.
Joseph obeyed.
Magi
The Magi were not Jewish men, but had learned of the "king of the Jews." They traveled great distances to seek Jesus and brought gifts.
The Magi worshiped Jesus.
Herod
Herod was disturbed when he learned that people were seeking Jesus. He tried to find a way to take care of the "problem".
Herod actively opposed Jesus.
John the Baptist
John had the very special job of calling people to repentance, baptizing them, AND preparing people for Jesus' arrival. John understood his position and relationship to Jesus. He knew Jesus was the Lord and John was humbled to the point of not wanting to baptize Jesus because he did not feel worthy. When Jesus told John what needed to be done, John obeyed.
John told others of Jesus.
Sadducees and Pharisees
These Jewish leaders were proud, religious, men with unrepentant hearts. They were reliant on their position in the long line of Jewish ancestors for their salvation. They were interested in what was going on around John the Baptist and went to check things out.
They watched the early events unfold from a skeptical, condescending distance.
Satan
In the very early days of Jesus ministry, Satan tempted Jesus in ways that are very real to humans. He tempted Jesus with food, worldly riches, and the opportunity to perform miracles for his own benefit. Satan tempted Jesus using techniques that he still uses today.
Satan attacked Jesus spiritually.
The Disciples
I imagine the first disciples had no idea what was coming when Jesus walked along the edge of the lake and called to them. However, they dropped everything they were doing and left their jobs, families, and friends.
The disciples simply followed Jesus.
If we are honest with ourselves, we have probably responded similarly to all of these characters at one point or another. Each minute, hour, and day that we have in this life is an opportunity to respond to "God with us". We also have the opportunity and responsibility to continually prepare our hearts for what God has in store for us.
Introducing Immanuel, Jesus, the savior of the world!
'"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."'
~Matthew 1:23
