Being Real

After studying Rev 22, we are left with a very clear idea of God's intended Jerusalem. This was also the city with foundation which Abraham was looking forward to.

Heb 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

So it is very pertinent that the genealogy of Jesus starts with Abraham. Of course the earthly Jerusalem was not yet that city. It is the Lord's purpose that Jerusalem will be that which was described in Rev 22, they would not.

Mat 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."

Of course, they never understood nor could they. For they did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

But we now have the Holy Spirit. Given to us through the work and death of Jesus Christ. Yet strangely, we see the situation replaying in the church. The church in Laodicea speaks of such a situation. The Lord is outside yet they did not know. They were blind, naked, wretched yet they did not know. Is it only to the Laodicean church that the Lord is speaking to?

But in the person of Joseph and Mary, we see examples for our encouragement. Though they were both of royal blood, yet they were contented to be in the humble place that God has placed them. Joseph a righteous man... Not many of his more illustrious ancestors are considered righteous by God, yet we see such humility and mercy from this carpenter. And Mary, accepting the gossip and slander of people with such faith.

Luke 1:38  And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

And the trouble which they had to face, fleeing from Herod, leaving their business, relatives, friends and even country to protect the Child.

They were not the Pharisees or Rabbis able to discuss deep theological concepts, nor were they zealots, fighting for the cause of Israel against the Romans, nor were they of the priestly clan, basking in the glory of temple worship. They were nonentities in the world. To such a couple, God entrusted His Son to their care.

It encourages me because God sees through the facade of the deceitful hearts of men. It is useless striving to be great in the eyes of men, whether individually or corporately. Better to have real righteousness, real mercy, real gentleness, real love and of course real faith.