Puzzles. This had me baffled this week. Lately I have encountered several puzzles and been reminded of some others.
Here is a partial list that has left me wondering.
- Drivers who still want to pull out in front of you even when the road conditions are that slick.
- Drivers who still figure that the posted speed limit is just fine when everyone else is driving 10 kph under the limit.
- People who insist on having bare heads and hands when the windchill outside is -40 or better. "But I'm just running in from the vehicle," is what I often hear.
- And then there are people whom I know who love to do puzzles that are between 2500 and 5000 pieces. Spatial relations has not been one of my giftings over the years.
All of this got me to consider how God and especially Jesus are great at doing what must look so puzzling according to the laws, values and customary norms of the day. All to drive an important point home. More of that shortly.
For example, donkeys. They are used in Numbers 22, Luke 10 and Luke 13 by God and Jesus to illustrate different points, instructions and ways of living.
Or, foreigners and Gentiles. Two examples of this from the Old Testament are in 2 Kings 5 and 2 Kings 24. Foreigners doing God's will. Two from the New Testament are in Mark 7 and Luke 17. Foreigners exhibiting faith far beyond expectations when Jesus appears. Now you will certainly say to me that Matthew 2 falls into this category as well. Indeed it does.
And what is behind all these puzzles is God and Jesus. All these people are doing the will of God; the will of Jesus; the will of the Holy Spirit. The wise men of the East did not come on a whim. They did not take a Globus tour nor did they start out on a whim. The Spirit of God was directing them to this marvelous event that is like no other.
On behalf of myself and my family, I want to wish you a very joyous Christmas. When I write next, it will be in the midst of Christmas as we finish with this year. Pr. Scott
