Today, December 25, 2013 is a good day to consider the importance of the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Aside from the emotional lightheadedness associated with today, it’s good to look at the importance of the place rather than the date, which by the way is not even on the chart as to accuracy.

George Worthy sent the following in his daily article, and I find it fascinating and I think you will too. George Worthy

“Micah 4:8;5:2 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

There are many who are not aware of the very deep significance of Bethlehem,Yeshua's (Jesus') birthplace. Everyone knows that Bethlehem was a place where shepherds grazed their sheep, and where the Messiah was to be born, but do not realize that it was a town designated as the birthing place for lambs which were used for the Passover sacrifice. The Scriptures give significant details about this little town lying slightly south of Jerusalem.

In Micah 4:8 we read about the "watchtower of the flock", or in Hebrew, "Migdal Edar." According to the "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah", by Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish believer in the late 1800's, Migdal Edar was the location where the Messiah was to be revealed. This watchtower stood as a place of protection for the city from approaching enemies, but it was also utilized by shepherds to watch over the specific flocks from which sacrificial Passover lambs were taken.

The shepherds who were tending these particular flocks were no ordinary shepherds. They were specifically trained by the Rabbis for a holy task. They had to insure that, as much as possible, every lamb was free of any blemish or injury, in order to be used for the Passover sacrifice. Since they were instructed by the Rabbis, they almost certainly knew of those passages in the Targums (Aramaic translations) and the Mishna associating the birth of the Messiah with "Migdal Edar". For example, Migdal Edar is translated in one of the Targums as "The Anointed One of the Flock of Israel." It is also written in the Mishna that "He spread his tent beyond Migdal Edar, the place where King Messiah will reveal Himself at the end of days."

Whenever you read an article such as this, it is a good day to pause and ponder the beautity of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God bless and as much as possible choose to make today count.

Larry Lilly
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LLLV13 12-19-13
I read an article that was attempting intellectual criticism of Christmas Carols because they do not contain any conflict. I suppose this man never read about wise men asking Herod for information and the ensuing conflict.

Whenever God is doing something, Satan is opposing! In Matthew we learn that the news of the birth of a King within Herod’s jurisdiction really stirred up the jealous anxiety in his heart. He was “troubled.” Herod knew deep down in his utterly corrupt soul that he was an imposter, and thus lived in fear of being stripped of his tin crown by a righteous King.

Over the years since Herod was eaten by the worms of death, millions of men and women have found the coming of Christ causes many of the same emotions suffered by Herod. If, as scripture says, Christ is God’s chosen king, where does this truth leave those who are oft quoting Henley’s famous Invictus asserting that God is not the captain, nor master, of our life and circumstances?

I find it interesting that Herod, as did Pharaoh in the days of Moses, attempted to get rid of the one born to lead, by committing the bloody murder of children. Pharmaceutically controlled birth, aborticide, and post birth abandonment or murder was/is rampant.

The celebration of The Incarnation is, among other things, the underlying belief that God is and will triumph in spite of Herod and his heirs.

Copyright © 2013  Larry Lilly
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LLLV13 12-18-13          

Over the years I have to have the highest respect for Joseph and the kind and tender way he was going to protect Mary from harm, even though at the time he was thinking of doing this, he was convinced that she had cheated on him and was with child of another man. This my friend is grace in a macho society.

Prior to the angelic visit from the angel of the Lord, Joseph had three choices. He could marry Mary and be quiet. Or he could call an inquiry and have her stoned to death. Lastly, he could put her away quietly, breaking a very binding engagement. The scripture gives us to understand, he was considering the painful, but kind, “putting her away.”

This says much about his understanding of human nature and his patience while he pondered what to do. God sent an angel to give correct guidance to him. Patience is usually the best road to travel when faced with hard decisions. Notice the verse: Matthew 1:19, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”

Here is a man whom God, calls just. People with a true sense of biblical justice tend to lean toward grace and mercy, as did Jesus. This trait is sadly missing among professed children of God. We must do something about this.

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly

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LLLV13 12-17-13
Don’t let the title fool you, this is a practical message. Joseph and Mary were very much alike in one aspect of life temporal and spiritual. Most of us fail to make the connection, but the connection is of enormous import for you and me.

Notice Matthew 1:24, “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”

Joseph has just been visited by the angel of the Lord, given information concerning Mary, and the child yet unborn. Joseph is told he should go against the cultural norm and marry Mary. This was a big deal for him, but His response lets us know that doing God’s will is more important that having the smile of the culture. Peer pressure was not on the table, only God’s known will.

Catch this in Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Mary receives the message from Gabriel and after listening, attests to her full surrender to God’s known will. The handmaid establishes that she took her place as one who gladly takes orders from God, for handmaids live in an “at will” relationship with their master.

How beautiful the Nativity narrative puts forth the importance of joyfully following instructions from God. The common ground is surrender. Husbands and wives can learn from this.

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly
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LLLV13  12-16-13 

Read a line in a book The Great Blonde is reviewing for the February issue of Larry Lilly’s Journal and I nearly laughed myself sillier. At first glance you will wonder; what does this line have to do with Christmas? It has everything to do with Jesus.

Two elderly women were walking through a cemetery and noticed a gravestone with the inscription: “Here lies John Smith, a Politician and Honest Man.” One woman said to the other, “How Awful that they had to bury two people in the same grave.”

The line comes from a book the Dean of the department Joyce works in at ISU gave to all the underlings that labor under her leadership, titled, The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle, by James C. Hunt. The book emphasizes the importance of the leader’s character.

The books, essays and speeches on the importance of character would pave a road with long bridges around the equator. People seem to think that character is a genetic trait, or it is produced by proper environment, and of course education. The truth is simple in that true character is a proper response to authoritative truth, which for the purpose of this article is biblical truth. Character is basically the courage to choose the right over the wrong, or even the convenient. This is where Jesus does make a difference in daily life. What ever happened to George and the cherry tree?

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly

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LLLV13 12-12-13                 
During this season I am drawn to the characters of Joseph and Mary. Both seem to be quiet, thoughtful and of few words. Of Mary it is said, “She kept all these things in her heart.” Most humans of the fairer gender with whom I am acquainted would have spoken ten thousand words to say, “An angel appeared to me.” When asked about such a wonderful thing Mary would have merely said, “Oh, yes, that.” She may have said to herself on a few occasions, “You know, changing God’s diaper is just like changing any other diaper.” Could be. Can you imagine Joseph sitting at his computer, writing something about God, and Mary, in the other room, thinking, “I wonder what Joseph is writing about? I will ask him when he comes out.” Now there’s a woman!

Joseph is cut from the same cloth, based on his number of words recorded in the Bible. He would mostly remind you of John Wayne talking; “Yep” Nope” “Maybe” ad infinitum.  

I know a man who had his picture taken with President Reagan. The words he has used telling the world about the chills running up and down his leg would fill the Russian Encyclopedia. Only God knows the number of words for Chris Matthews.

Whatever you think about the Nativity, you have agree that God picked a unique couple to raise His only begotten Son, His gift to all who believe.

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly

LLLV13 12-11-13
God has a special place in His heart for independent businessmen. As I looked over scripture and scratched the surface a wee bit this became glaring. For a few instances notice Gideon, a farmer attempting to keep more of the fruits of his labor from the rapacious Midianite tyrants. God selected a militarily untrained farmer to lead Israel to a great victory.

Noah was into Vineyards, and suffered terribly when he imbibed too much of the fruit of his vines. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, was from a family of sheepherders.

In the New Testament we are hit immediately with the person of Joseph, a carpenter running his little carpenter shop and succeeding to the point of owning his own donkey, the ancient equivalent of a small pick-up truck. Probably used. That he was enamored with his “hoofs” (Wheels) is subtly presented in paintings of Mary riding the donkey. Joseph obviously did not trust her to drive as he is always holding the lead. Smart, independent businessmen take tender care of their equipment.

To such people the Lord entrusted victory over great odds, His greatest Old Testament Prophet, Samuel, and His Leadership, David and Solomon, His message of redemption and finally, His only begotten Son. He saw fit for Messiah to be born in the stable of an independent Inn Keeper.

Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,”

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly
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  LLLV13 12-10-13
 Matthew 1:18-25 tells part of the story of the facts surrounding the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. All things necessary for good doctrine are revealed and rejoice in this truth. Many have paid with their life for tenaciously promulgating these truths. The other evening while I waited to speak for five minutes a series of thoughts rushed across my mind and heart. The truth of is so plain that we often miss it.

Joseph and Mary were simple, serious, ordinary people. Apparently Joseph was and remained an everyday run of the mill carpenter. There is no record of him having a fleet of camels running around the city with letters branded on their sides, “See Joseph for the highest quality cabinets etc, built to your taste.” The evidence leads us to believe he had one donkey. When he wasn’t chauffeuring Mary around on the donkey, he used it to carry his ladders, material and some tools, much like a modern guy working out of his car. He never appeared at the local college to lecture on his outstanding success.

Mary fits into the same mold. When little more than a child she marries a much older man, which is every young girls dream, There is no intimation that she was scheduled to sing at the ancient LaScalla, though she did speak poetically in the Magnificat. Archeologists have found no record of “Mary’s Best Recipes” or “How to Mother God.” She was just a consecrated girl who loved God.

As Jesus took humility upon Himself, even so, many of the important humans around Him lived with their inner greatness disguised as ordinary.

There may be hope for you.

Copyright © 2013  Larry Lilly

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 LLLV13 12-9-13        
Several of my friends have written blogs each day of December based on the biblical Nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels. They are interesting, even captivating. I may try the same next year, though I admit to having trouble getting all wrapped up with wrapping up things.

I was browsing through a little book Joyce reviewed for the January 2014 issue of Larry Lilly’s Journal, Red Sea Rules, by Robert Morgan, when this bit by Cameron Thompson jumped off the page. See what you think:

“We have a God who starts with the impossible and goes on from there.”

This is a statement that deals with much more than The Nativity. All through the scriptures the hand of God is seen working the impossible. Genesis 1:1 is a case in point and each step in the creation account is miracle laden. When the miraculous is removed you have nothing. Period. The removal of the possibility of miracles seems to lead to a life of nothing, of emptiness, a life void of faith. We know that without faith it is impossible to please God.

For reasons unknown, God permits a miracle here and there even to those who do not believe.

When the angel visited Mary and told her of being overshadowed with The Holy Ghost, Mary responded basically, “Why that would be a miracle.” To which the angel responded, “Precisely.”

Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly
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  12-5-13  21     
I am one of the people that want to see the entire path before I launch out and do the will of God. If I applied this thinking to a trip in a car or airplane I would never get out of town. Nor would I or will you ever get out of a life stifling situation if we refuse to take one God led step at a time.

When William Osler was a medical student, his life seemed to hit the proverbial “brick wall” As he wrestled with what to do he happened across a word of advice from Thomas Carlyle. These twenty one words changed his life, even to his title, as he is known to us as Sir William Osler. Here are the words that work God’s wonder in your life:

“Our main business is not to see what lies ahead dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.”

Later Dr. Osler founded the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and became Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford. He was knighted by the king of England.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Why worry about the next election, do what you are supposed to do today. Every day.” MVLT. (My Very Loose Translation).

A.T. Pierson wrote: “To go as I am led, to go when I am led, to go where I am led; it is that which has been for twenty years the one prayer of my life.”

Copyright © 2013 Larry Lilly

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