Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On With Ivy Joy Johnson

Week 50 Christmas; The Art of Reconciliation  

God's Master Plan started in the Garden of Eden to legally reverse the curse on mankind. Genesis 3. Adam chose to put all God created under satan's authority. Banished from the Garden, Man lost his God-given authority in the earth, but never, ever, lost God's favor and love. The Lord's Eyes sought a faithful man to reconcile Man to Him, again. Noah was first, then Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Thanks to Abraham and Sarah, the nation of Israel was born. Thanks to King David, Jerusalem became the City of God, but reconciliation did not come early or easy. 

II Chronicles 28, Ahaz, king of Judah, ruled a nation in deep trouble. The Lord came to encourage him through Isaiah, the prophet (Isaiah 7). God said, "Ask Me anything and I will do it." Ahaz refused. So, the Lord said, "Here's my signature (sign): a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call His name, 'Immanuel'"

With this, kings and priests and prophets heard there would come a Deliverer- God, Himself, would come as a man! Centuries later, a grandson of Ahaz, Joseph, the husband of Mary, witnessed fulfillment of God's word to a rogue king. Joseph was chosen, by God, to became the earthly father of a Holy Spirit conceived Child, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord, the Son of David, born in Bethlehem. However, many in the kingly line had displeased the Lord and long life was not granted to their progeny. This may explain why we hear no more of Joseph following Jesus' Bar Mitzvah, at Jerusalem, where He astonished Jewish Elders with His understanding of Scripture. II Chronicles 21:14; Luke 2:40, 42

The term 'carpenter' can also mean 'scholar' or 'technician'. Both Mary and Joseph were schooled in the word of God from their youth. Obviously, during Jesus' formative years in Egypt, His parents were His rabbinical instructors.

Mary's genealogy goes back to King David, through his son, Nathan, a priest and prophet. Luke 3. This made Jesus, by lineage, both a priest and a king. In God's Plan, the priest gained Visions from God for Israel, then presented them through His prophets. Tribal kings brought provision for that Vision. Nor did His troops go to war without a priest to help direct the battle. The priestly anointing was instrumental in causing the walls to collapse at the battle of Jericho, Joshua 3.

"For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. The government shall be upon His shoulder. His Name shall be called 'Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'. Of the increase of His government there will be no end upon the throne of David and His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice. The zeal (tireless, tenacious purpose) of the Lord of hosts will perform this." Isaiah 9:6-7. God's good will toward men is complete in the Baby Jesus! Luke 2:14 Be Blessed this Christmas and throughout 2023!

Next Week: Readin' 'n' Right