Series in Proverbs - The Christmas Story in Proverbs

                                   

The Christmas Story in Proverbs

Proverbs 14:20-27

The story of Christmas is based around a young poor couple blessed by God to bear and raise the Christ-child. They had very little of the world’s riches yet were wealthy in the blessings of God over their lives. So I use the story of Joseph and Mary as the background for this selection of proverbs. So let’s read the first portion of the text. “The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.”

The favored couple of the Lord made their way through the angelic announcements of the conception and birth of the child born of God. But amongst their family and friends they would have been shunned in their small town of Nazareth for their neighbors wouldn’t understand the purpose and works of God in their lives. They would be despised by the neighbors who lived next to them as well as those in the synagogue. Even Joseph, upon hearing of the pregnancy, considered an annulment to spare Mary shame. (Matt. 1:19-20) 

Then came the census, it was God’s providential move though it seemed to complicate their predicament. As they traveled to Bethlehem for the census they traveled in poverty. Because of the great influx of sojourners, those who rented out their rooms, seemed to let them out to those who had money to pay. “The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”  And it wasn’t until someone in compassion pointed them to the stables set up, possibly in the caves around the hills and fields in Bethlehem used by the people to shelter their livestock. It was in this humble setting that Jesus was born. Though the poor couple had been despised by their neighbors (no room at the Inn),those of the house of David “It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.” Even the sojourning poor were despised as well by the allure of quick wealth on this occasion. 

But in God’s providence and provision there were those who were compassionate to the needs of this expectant pregnancy, for help and assistance came to Joseph and Mary. Those who did good received God’s favor and His unfailing love. “If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.”

The poor shepherds in the fields that silent night were honored and blessed with the divine presence of the angelic messengers and choir. (Luke 2:20) And the new parents of the Christ-child were blessed with the provisions needed by some merciful neighbors, and later received the gifts from the wealthy magi. Gifts of Gold, Francensence,and Myrrh were providential for the plan God had for this young family. And the Magi were blessed with the privileged guidance to the baby king of Israel (Matt. 2:2,9-11), as the proverb stated, “If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.” and king Herod as the scripture said did horrific evil, and demonstrated his lost soul for the murders of the innocent Bethlehem children by his command. (Matt. 2:16,19)

After the unexpected guests had left, Joseph received a message from God to go to Egypt, immediately. Not much is revealed about their travel and plight in Egypt, but later they returned to Israel after another divine message from God. They journeyed safely back to the Galilean region and lived in Nazareth. (Matt. 2:22-23) Joseph worked as a carpenter (Mark. 6:3) thus fulfilling his duties and responsibilities to his family. Joseph’s occupation brought in the funds to live in this small rural town. “Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!”

Application - Jesus told us that we would have the poor with us always, and it is the responsibility of the believers in Christ to assist them as best as they can. (Isa.58:7, Lk. 12:33, 1 Jn. 3:17-18)

 But even today, many poor are despised as is seen in the homelessness that seems epidemic throughout the world. God’s Word and His commands don’t change. We are still to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is still true that those who have wealth have many friends, and it all centers around wealth. “The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” God wants us to love people as He does, not for what we can get by associating with the affluent. It is not said who led Joseph and Mary to the humble abode where Christ was born, but God never overlooks acts of kindness or generosity to the poor. “It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.”

Again, there are many who make plans to deceive and to do evil. It's rooted in every status of society. Moral corruption knows no boundaries, yet God’s moral boundaries are well set! The souls who plan evil demonstrate their lostness. And those who demonstrate good are blessed by God with His grace. For God loves the world, not just those who are perceived as righteous. 

In today's world, it is a terrible time. For evil is blatantly stalking those who Jesus has chosen, its evilness is rampant against God’s chosen people, the Jews today (antisemitism). The evil plans of those who murder, like Herod, will be dealt with by God. Scripture states God’s vengeance upon evil will be intense and forever. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”(Deut. 32:35 NIV)

Last, Jesus said that He came for the poor, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…” 

God wants to work through the church to fulfill His purpose and plan. Just as He used people in Bethlehem during the census to assist Joseph and Mary, and they received the blessings of God, His unfailing love and His faithfulness.  “if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.” Those who helped the young couple from Nazareth didn’t know the ramifications of their love and generosity that glorious night, but it wasn’t overlooked by God,  As David wrote in the psalms “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” The angels were all around the birth of Christ, and it isn’t too much of a stretch to see Joseph and Mary praying for God's help during this moment in life. And the shepherds rejoiced with the angels as they came and saw the Christ-child. And there were others and we should be celebrating the birth and rejoicing in God’s gift to man, salvation through his Son.

Next, the story continues with more unexpected blessings and trials. So let’s read the final portion of the text. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.” (NLT)

The memories and unexpected acclamations and testimonials in their short days in Bethlehem and Jerusalem were treasured in their hearts. Simeon’s prophetic blessing at the temple (Luke 2:28-38), Ana’s acclamations to God for the Christ-child’s birth. “A truthful witness saves lives…” And the shepherds were still telling the story to anyone who would listen.

It was the fear of the Lord of these shepherds, and two aged saints and the faith of this young couple who now took refuge in the God of their fathers. For God was their life-giving fountain. He was their life. They had a deep reverence for God and were in continued awe of his providence and the holiness of the delivered messages. In humble obedience they continued in their awareness of His everpresence. Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)." (Matt. 1:23 NIV)

For they would find that God was their means of escape from the death snares of King Herod’ anger.

Application - We have received the message of the birth of Christ, not as grandiose as the angelic choir, but their message is for us. And those faithful witnesses, the shepherds didn’t shy away from proclaiming the coming of Christ. Neither did Simeon and Ana, as they proclaimed the truth of scripture in the temple amongst the religious. The Holy Spirit led them and their witness must have led others to believe as well. Then along came the witness to the star of the King, and they as well rejoiced in being led to the place where the Christ-child, the King of the Jews rested. It was with little fan-fare that they presented their gifts and worshipped the King. For the fear of the Lord led them, a deep reverence and respect for this new King, in humility they bowed down and with a desire to please God for they had seen the greatness of God throughout their journey in the star. And after meeting king Herod, they also hated evil, for they sensed the evil intent of king Herod by a dream from God to leave another way. 

But Joseph and Mary took in God’s providence and provision. They also heard of king Herod’s plan and were led to Egypt by another message from God. The fear of the Lord was evident for they heeded the message and were constantly aware of His presence. They knew now that God’s angels were watching over them, and they were guard as David stated as God is our refuge. "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I will look to You for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes" (Psalms 57:1 NLT). 

In closing, the truths of the proverbs have been alive for every generation. For Solomon’s time, Joseph and Mary's time, and for us today. Let us fear the Lord in everything we do, for he is our refuge, our security, our lifegiving Fountain that bursts with living water so that we will not thirst for the water of this world. And He is coming back soon, to rescue us from the coming evil and God’s wrath against it. So let’s rejoice, celebrate the birth of Christ and our Salvation through Him, and let us worship our risen Lord, the Christ, our beloved Savior this Christmas. 

As always, I want to conclude by presenting the gospel in the form of the basic principles of salvation for all those who have not yet received Jesus Christ. For Jesus, God the Son, came into this world to save all who believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you; he is the light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and has given him all authority in heaven and on earth. He will answer you if you truly believe. If you haven't yet asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

First, A: Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a just God, and a change of heart takes place: we change our minds, and God changes our hearts and regenerates us inside and out. Romans 3:10: As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners, so we must be born spiritually to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.) Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death; in other words, our sin means we have been sentenced to death; we have the death penalty hanging over our heads; that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, lest anyone should boast. Secondly,

B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised him from the dead. This is trusting with all your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is righteous, and with the mouth confession is made and is saved. Third,

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every person who sees lThose who have lived since Adam will kneel andthey confessed with hismouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, Lord of lords, and King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: “As I live,” says the Lord, “every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess to God.” Don’t wait, do it now. Romans 10:13 - For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “O God, I am a sinner. I repent of my sin. I want to turn away from it. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son; I believe that he died on the cross for my sins, that he was buried, and that you raised him from the dead. I have decided to put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting in his shed blood alone as sufficient to save my soul and take me to heaven. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.”

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please visithttp://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In Your Service Mike Davis

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http://uss-warfare3.webnode.com