Christmas vindicated
As Christmas is upon us it still appears that Jesus' presence was only ever to be clouded, its true clarity continues opaque at best.
Everyone seemed to be expecting the Kingdom of God, ushered in by the promised Messiah. This would be an earthly kingdom, much like that of king David. That is what they sought, this is what they taught. Yet Jesus, in His parables, likened His rule to a small mustard seed that silently grows, or seed that is scattered by a man sowing in the fields.
Remember when Peter challenges Jesus as He explains He must suffer and die and then be raised to life? This is not what great and glorious kings do – die prematurely, so Peter thinks. Jesus’ response to Peter makes sense. For Peter still does not understand the nature of the Kingdom of God.
Likewise His disciples expected Jesus to usher in a magnificent earthly kingdom. This explains James' and John's request of Jesus to sit at either side of Him in His kingdom.
The Kingdom of God exists, still largely unseen, still silently, still relentlessly growing, void of any of the world's fanfare. (Mark 4:26-32)
Amidst this world's rampant misunderstandings the evil one leads.
From satan's murderous guile he moved to kill this threatening King to be. Yet, he is as witless as he is wicked.
Evil pursued first baby Jesus and then 'got Him' by the Cross. How did evil sing and dance for two days!
The glorious irony is that this is exactly God’s plan. His Kingdom was to come about, through Jesus’ birth, suffering, death and resurrection. No blood except Jesus'. Inside satan 'died'.
Christmas vindicated.
For great is His love for us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 117:2)