This morning we got up early and made a trip to Lakewood to be with Christian and Bridget and the grandchildren for an early Christmas. Since we leave on Christmas day to fly to Atlanta, this was our best opportunity to connected with our Lakewood family. My mom joined us and Debbie brought the cinnamon rolls, we would have some of the traditional trappings of our Summers’ Christmas gatherings. One of our more “unique” gifts were picture puzzles of our three families.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod died. This gave full meaning to what the Lord said through the prophet: ‘I called my son to come out of Egypt.’”  Matthew 2:15 ERV

When we examine the biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus, we see the fulfillment prophecy is a dominant theme. Matthew’s gospel written for a Jewish audience consistently states how various events took place to fulfill prophecy. What took place was not by happenstance. The events were part of God’s plan being unfolded at the proper time.

Consider the following:

“All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet: “The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means “God with us.”)” (Matt. 1:22,23 ERV)

“…just as the prophet wrote: ‘Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are important among the rulers of Judah. Yes, a ruler will come from you, and that ruler will lead Israel, my people.’”(Matt. 2:5,6 ERV)

In the midst of my “not so busy” week, I ended up having commitments the past two days that consumed most of my day. Today, was a good day to get several errands ran around town. I even wrapped a few Christmas presents later in the day. That always makes me feel more in the “Christmas” spirit.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard about this, it upset him as well as everyone else in Jerusalem.” Matthew 2:1-3 ERV

The dominate visitors in Matthew’s account to the birth of Jesus are the wise men. These mysterious visitors from the east create quite a stir when they come to Jerusalem. They enter the capitol city anticipating that to be the birth place of the “King of the Jews.”

They in their innocence go to the Herod and the palace and inquire about the exciting event. Instead of finding a warm welcome and excitement, they find suspicion and concern. Herod was “upset” and when Herod was upset, “everyone was upset.” Even in the city that would have been pleased about the birth of the Messiah was caught unaware and sensing the tension emanating from the palace. Herod was a ruthless and paranoid dictator.

When the scribes determine Bethlehem was the proper birth place, the wise men head to Jerusalem being told by Herod, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.” (Matt. 2:8 ERV) Herod was attempting to fool the wise men, but the Lord in a dream warned the wise men and they did not return to Jerusalem.

When Herod discovered his plan had been foiled, he ordered a wholesale slaughter of all baby boys two years old and younger. In doing so the words of the prophet came to pass, “A sound was heard in Ramah—bitter crying and great sadness. Rachel cries for her children, and she cannot be comforted, because her children are gone.”  (Matt. 2:18 ERV)’

We don’t know the details or the numbers, but the joy of the wise men in days or weeks was turned into a crisis and sounds of crying and weeping. The solemn, peaceful night on which Christ was born, stands in contrast to the terror and bloodshed created by a paranoid ruler. An unknown number of baby boys were killed, so Jesus could live.

This reminds us that Jesus was not born into a perfect world, but a “real world” and a fallen world. As a child and man He did not escape the realities of the world in which He lived. Suffering and hardship are part of human existence and a fallen world. We see that in Jesus day and we see it in our day. Many take a position to deny God, His love because they fail to see divine intervention in the world due to the consequences of sin, pride, rebellion against God’s plan.

But that was the kind of world God allowed His Son to be born into. He came into this world in the dark of night, but He would rise from the dead at the break of a new day. Spiritually the world Jesus was born into was dark. It was a sin-filled world with people lost and in need. That is why Jesus came. He came to bring light and life those who were in darkness and in spiritual death. He fulfilled the words of the prophet, “…people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matt. 4:16 NIV)

We don’t understand or have an explanation for all that God prevents or allows. Our hope is not in this life or this world or in humanity. We need the Lord’s light and life to come into the darkness and “deadness” of our life. He came to this world as and He still is, “the light of life” the hope for the world.

This morning early, I had a doctor’s appointment with a neurosurgeon. This was a follow up consultation from the MRI on my neck last month. It seems that his assessment was positive in terms of not needing surgery to correct some “spinal stenosis” in two neck vertebrae. I told him that I feel that I have gained strength and stability over the last six months.

This afternoon, I enjoyed a productive planning meeting for next year’s National Day of Prayer event for northern Colorado.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel told him to do. He married Mary. But Joseph did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And he named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:24,25 ERV

I recall my pastor making a reference to Joseph as he was sharing last year’s Christmas series. He commented about Joseph not getting the attention that he probably deserves when we reflect on the birth of Jesus. We certainly see and understand the revering of Mary as the “mother of the Lord.” We see Mary’s own words in response to the news of the angel, “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” (Luke 1:48,49 NIV)

Certainly Mary deserves proper recognition for her obedience and the life she lived as the “Lord’s mother.” She was the person who gave Him birth and raised him to manhood. She was at the cross and the tomb. She was in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost.

History is uncertain as to what happened to Joseph. It is presumed that he died when Jesus was still young. But what we do know about Joseph is significant. Joseph was not just an “innocent bystander” to the events of Jesus birth and early years.

Joseph is connected to the lineage of King David. This was critical for the Messiah was to be the “Son of David.” Joseph not only fit the qualifications by virtue of his heritage, but by his character as well. Scripture refers to him as a “righteous” or “just” man. The one selected to give birth to the Messiah needed a special husband to journey with her through the days of confusion, turmoil and difficulties.

In Joseph we a man of truth and mercy. When it was discovered that Mary was “with child” he knew what the law said, but his love for Mary and desire to show mercy moved him to take action “privately.” It was said of Jesus that He was, “full of grace and truth.” These qualities were not only those of His heavenly father, but his earthly father as well.

Joseph was a made to whom the Lord revealed Himself. Mary received the original annunciation of the angel about becoming pregnant with the Messiah. However, it was to Joseph that the Lord appeared to three times in a dream or vision to give timely instructions on what to do and when. The birth of Jesus was entrusted to Mary, the care for Jesus and his mother was entrusted to Joseph.

Joseph was a man of action and obedience. He was obedient in terms of his personal conduct toward Mary, was well as giving heed to the warnings and messages he received from the Lord. Those decisions and actions would not have been easy. But they were necessary to not only save the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, but as we can see, to fulfill prophecy as well.

Joseph was willing to lay aside his own desires and rights. This was not just in his physical relationship with Mary, but in surrendering the right to have a “firstborn son” named after himself. Part of Joseph’s obedience is sated as, “he named him Jesus.” Jesus would be referred to as the “Son of David” “Son of Man” “Son of God” more than the “son of Joseph.” Only on one occasion in scripture do we see Jesus referred to as the “son of Joseph.” (John 6:42) We see that any plans Joseph would have had for the first few years of Jesus life would have been radically changed. Obedience and flexibility would be what characterized his life during the early years after the birth of Jesus.

Joseph was more than “just in the background” of the birth and early life of Jesus. When the Lord selected Mary to be the mother of the Lord, it was also critical for her to have the right man of God in her life to earthly father the Son of God. It is important to see that God selected the right woman and the right man, at the right time in history to make history in His plan of redemption.

After the snow day yesterday I was able to get out to some commitments. The main one was traveling to Greeley to be a part of the “Senior’s Circle” radio programmed aired on Sunday mornings. Today was the taping for a program that will be aired this Sunday on KFKA in Greeley. By the time I headed back to Fort Collins the roads had improved. I still was running a little late to a Chiropractor appointment. I believe I am seeing some continued improvement and am able to take a few steps on my own without crutches.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah. (Their mother was Tamar.)…Salmon was the father of Boaz. (His mother was Rahab.) Boaz was the father of Obed. (His mother was Ruth.) Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon. (His mother had been Uriah’s wife.)”  Matthew 1:3,5-6 ERV

Have you seen the ads for “Ancestry.com”? It seems every family has those who are the genealogists for the family line. They usually make some interesting discoveries and take on the task of keeping track of the growing family tree. Some years ago my hair stylist commented, “Ken, you  must have some Indian blood. You complexion, cheek bones and lack of facial hair are more characteristic of American Indians.” While my features are not that pronounced it was an interesting observation.

A few years later, while campaigning door to door, I met a man with my same last name. We discovered that we had to have some past family connection. He then told me that he had heard that one of our great….grandfathers was married to an Indian woman. He said, “It wasn’t talked about that much, since at the time it wasn’t viewed as somewhat of a scandal.”

Jesus had in his background those who would not seem to fit into the lineage of the Messiah. There are those who it would be easy to “not talk about” and “gloss over” in the record. Instead the only wives of men in Jesus connection to the throne of David were those you would not expect to be found.

We see early on Tamar mentioned, who was Judah’s daughter-in-law. Judah did not fulfill his promise to give one of his younger sons to Tamar after her husband died. As a result, she posed as a prostitute and tricked Judah into having sex with her and she became pregnant. Tamar had twins and one of them, Perez, this “illegitimate” child became an ancestor of King David. We see Rahab was a prostitute from Jericho a Canaanite city devoted for destruction. She gave birth to Boaz the great grandfather of David. We see the name Ruth who was from Moab. This Canaanite nation were historic oppressors and enemies of God’s people. The Moabites themselves were from the incestual relationship between Lot and his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Ruth became the grandmother of David.

Then we see the reign of David being passed on through Solomon, who was the son of Bathsheba. She had been the wife of Uriah when David seduced her into a sexual encounter and the David plotted to have her husband killed in battle.

Why are the only women mentioned by Matthew in this Jewish ancestry those who would be easy to “leave in the closet?” The easiest answer is, “I don’t’ know.” But I would suggest that it was not to shame as much as to give hope. These anomalies in the family history of the Messiah reveal much about God’s heart. It shows that God is a God who redeems. He is a God who changes lives and has open arms. The destiny of your life is not who you are or where you are, but it is in who you can be and where you can go, if you submit your life to God’s will and purpose.

I believe we also see the spiritual impact of “adoption.” These women in Jesus genealogy did not have “rights” by virtue of birth and heritage. But they were “grafted in” they were adopted into the family of faith and not just into any family of Israel, but in the direct line that would lead to the Messiah.

In considering the ways of the Lord, Paul stops and exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33 NIV)
What we see in the “family tree” of Jesus should stop and allow us to respond not from our minds, but from our hearts as we see in Paul’s words.

The hymn writer of old expressed it in these words, “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene; and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean…How wonderful, how marvelous….is my Savior’s love for me.”

Even in the lineage of Jesus, we see  God’s plan and purpose for the Messiah…Salvation for the whole world, hope for the hopeless and reconciliation for those estranged from the Father’s family.

We had our first official “snow day” here in Colorado. Schools were closed, flights cancelled and navigating road ways proved to be a challenge. So, for me it was a good day to stay put. Fortunately, I had some neighbors help me with clearing the six inches of snow or more that had accumulated on our driveway. Debbie left early this morning and fortunately was able to come home a little early.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” Proverbs 31:8,9 ERV

There are many guidelines for those who would be in positions of authority. During a political campaign many promises are made and often the integrity of an individual becomes the focus of political ads. However, these basic words of counsel from Solomon to his son carry significant weight, not only for his day but for ours.

The first thing Solomon says is, “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.” When it comes to political influence having the “ear” of policy makers is what individuals and interest groups seek. However, Solomon says wise leaders don’t just pay attention to those whose “voice is the loudest” but those who cannot speak for themselves. In our present day this has significant application for the unborn.

Solomon then says to, “help people who are in trouble.” So often government systems can create additional problems for those who are experiencing unexpected hardships. For example, I learned of the issues that can compound for those whose homes are destroyed by fire. Those people are not only responsible for the ongoing mortgage payment on a house that doesn’t exist, but also for the property taxes on those homes. When I was in the legislature we passed some laws that provided some relief to people in those situations.

Solomon says, “Stand up for what is right, judge people fairly.” In Solomon’s day and in cultures outside of ours bribes of leaders can be almost expected. In the Law of Moses we find these instructions, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.“ (Lev. 19:15 NIV) Doing what is right oppose to what is politically expedient is a challenge in all times.

Finally, Solomon says, “Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” It is interesting the frequent appearance of verses in Proverbs related to not stealing from the poor. This may have more application to the “working poor” than the homeless. The bottom line challenge is all individuals are to be treated fairly and equally. The little that the poor have is to be respected and guarded. Our county treasurer has shared about her efforts to help to the degree possible those who are poor to meet their property tax obligations. I believe this is the type of sensitivity that Solomon is addressing. The poor are not to be treated with “special” rights, but the rights they have are to be protected and respected.

These words of advice for “wise rulers” are good words of advice for all people. Once again we find some timeless counsel from the world’s wisest King.

My Monday’s are often my “rest days.” It was good to work on several projects today and to still get in some rest to be ready for the rest of the week. After a busy week last week, this one should be more “low key” in comparison.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.” Proverbs 29:18 ERV

As a nation we live in some of the most challenging times in our history. There is more anxiety about the future and fear for personal safety than any other time in modern history. Since the end of the civil war we have not seen violence in our own land like what is taking place today. Much of what happens on a daily basis goes unreported.

A growing concern among many is the erosion of fundamental values that have guided our nation since its founding. The United States was not necessarily founded as a “Christian” nation. However, it was established on the basis of religious freedom in which all people were allowed to worship God after the dictates of their own hearts. It was founded on the premise that “Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!“ (Psa. 144:15 ESV) Even the deists, who believed God created the world like a “clock on the mantle” and then left it one its own, so to speak; at least recognized the hand of the creator in history and life.

John Adams, one of our Founding Fathers said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

The familiar words of Proverbs 29:18 state, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” The New Living Translation gives added meaning, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.“

Our laws and our national values must have a foundation.  Otherwise find ourselves in the days described  in the times of the judges, “..there was no king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) We need order, we need moral constraint. It doesn’t take too much understanding to see the foundation of our moral society in the Ten Commandments and the conduct of life an attitude of accountability to God. Without those we see a disregard for the rule of law, human life, respect for others and justice.

As Solomon said, thousands of years ago the result is, “people will lose self-control.” Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Human perspective has its inherent flaws. If we don’t have a divine perspective we don’t know the “right way.”

In establishing the moral basis for our nation, the founders did not expect people to have the same religious convictions. But they did realize that a moral code based on the Bible and the fear of God created the best environment for all to enjoy the blessings of liberty. They understood Solomon’s wisdom, “…but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.”

There are three institutions that have been established for the stability of societies. The family, the church and government. All of those have a different purpose in God’s economy, but all of them function best when they understand their God-given role and purpose.

This morning I spoke at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place retirement village. Debbie joined me and Sherry Harris came with Steve. We enjoyed a lunch time together and with some of the residents after our “Christmas” service. This afternoon Debbie’s sister Sue and her husband Sam came by for a visit. Sue has been reviewing the manuscript of my book and had some great recommendations. Once again, I found myself learning some details that I didn’t have correctly in my  mind.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Never brag about what you will do in the future; you have no idea what tomorrow will bring...Neither wealth nor nations last forever.” Proverbs 27:1,24 ERV

In the beginning and end of Proverbs 27 we find verses that speak to the unpredictability and frailness of life. As I shared this morning at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place, I talked about how things can happen that we don’t plan or expect. The daughter of a resident, after the service, told me it seems that since she became an adult life hasn’t gone as she would have expected.

Solomon says the the future is uncertain. He then later says that wealth and even the security of nations is uncertain. We see all of these issues have application down to our day. Being overconfident about that future and what the future holds will only bring disappointment. That may sound like a pessimistic viewpoint, but we can be prepared through living life with a security that is found in trusting in the Lord and keeping our eyes on the eternal. Failing to plan and failing to anticipate the unexpected are sure recipes for failure.

Just this last week on a radio talk show I heard comments about the longevity of nations. At this point in history the United States has the longest lasting constitutional republic in history. Many are questioning how long our nation can endure in light of current events and the threats that we face from without and within. That is why our security and confidence can not be in our political system or leaders. We need to pray for our leaders and our nation, but we need to anticipate the everlasting reign of the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

As fleeting as health can be, we see that wealth can be the same. I visited recently with a City Councilor who has a background as a floor trader in Chicago. During our conversation he said, “I have seen small investors become rich and have seen big investors become poor.”

What is interesting in Proverbs 27 is that Solomon gives some practical advice. He says, “Learn all you can about your sheep. Take care of your goats the best you can...Cut the hay, and new grass will grow. Then gather the new plants that grow on the hills. Cut the wool from your lambs, and make your clothes. Sell some of your goats, and buy some land. Then there will be plenty of goat’s milk for you and your family, with enough to keep the servants healthy.” (Prov. 27:23-27 ERV)

We see knowledge, wisdom and industry in providing for yourself is important. Also, “diversifying your investments” and making the most of what  you have are all pictured in these words of wisdom. Perhaps the application from an agrarian society to the “information age” can be challenging, I believe when the principles Solomon speaks to are examined the lessons still become clear. Financial security comes from being diligent, educating yourself and applying wisdom principles.

What I have observed in life is the heartache and challenge that can come to people when the uncertainties of life manifest themselves. However, thousands of years ago, Solomon warned that life is fragile. It needs to be approach with realism, wisdom and confidence that can be found in relationship with God alone.

After a busier than usual week, it was nice to stay home in the midst of the falling snow and work on our Christmas card list and get ready of my chapel service tomorrow morning. I did get out this morning to our monthly men’s breakfast meeting. Outside of my lengthy rest from yesterday, the week wasn’t too taxing on my level of strength and energy.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Never move an old property line that was marked long ago by your ancestors.” (Prov. 22:28 ERV)  “Never move an old property line, and don’t take land that belongs to orphans. The Lord will be against you. He is powerful and protects orphans.” (Prov. 23:10-11 ERV)

Land and property rights have been a part of human civilization since early days. It is interesting how that issue of “property rights” is so much in focus in our world today. What is of interest is God’s original plan was to emphasize that the “world” belonged to Him. There was no permanent “ownership” of land as we know it today. However, we do see the importance of land allotted to various tribes remaining under the control of that family.

These two verses above come from the list of “Thirty Wise Sayings” of Solomon. So we find not one but two references to respecting property of others in this list. That indicates to me that, (1) this is an important issue and (2) it was a problem in Solomon’s days.

It seems that rulers and those in a position of wealth and power took advantage of others; especially those in financial problems. We see this in the case of the widow in the days of Elisha who was facing a debt she could not pay and her sons were going to be taken as slaves. We see this in King Ahab wanting the land that belonged to Naboth. In our day we would call that an illegal taking or the wrong use of “imminent domain.”

In the story of King Ahab we see the truth of Solomon’s words when he says, “the Lord will be against you.” The prophet of the Lord pronounced judgment on King Ahab for killing Naboth and seizing his property.

Why are these words that seem so unusual on the surface important?

They speak to the heart of the human condition. They relate to attitudes of greed and taking advantage of others. Especially those in difficult circumstances in life. These instructions also show that respect is to be given equally to all people. Power is not to be used to take advantage of others and treat them with contempt. That is whether the power is held by virtue of wealth or position or both.

The first of the “Thirty Wise Sayings” is “It is easy to steal from the poor, but don’t do it. And don’t take advantage of them in court. The Lord is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them.” (Prov. 22:22-23 ERV)

We also see the warning, “Don’t be like a criminal who makes plans to rob those who are good or take away their homes. Good people might fall again and again, but they always get up. It is the wicked who are defeated by their troubles.” (Prov. 24:15-16 ERV)

We see that the Lord is concerned about the “poor.” In so doing, He recognizes that some are in that state because of the circumstances of life and yes others may be in the condition because of their own foolishness or laziness. Regardless of what brings it about they are not be taken advantage of, but responded to in an appropriate manner. Those who are “poor” because of circumstances of life need assistance. Those who are in financial distress because of their own doing, need instruction and correction.

As we study God’s Word, it is interesting to find insight into the verses of scripture that have spoken to the human condition and challenges in life that have existed over the millennium.