Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Vision (12/22/11): Calvin on Luke 2:7b


Image:  In lieu of our regular mid-week meeting this week, a group of CRBCers went caroling and visited Miss Z. at Branchlands and then the residents at Our Lady of Peace Retirement Center.

Here is John Calvin’s commentary on Luke 2:7b: “Because there was no room for them in the inn”:

We see here not only the great poverty of Joseph, but the cruel tyranny which admitted no excuse, but compelled Joseph to bring his wife along with him, at an inconvenient season, when she was near the time of her delivery. Indeed, it is probable that those who were the descendents of the royal family were treated more harshly and disdainfully than the rest. Joseph was not so devoid of feeling as to have no concern for his wife’s delivery. He would gladly have avoided this necessity: but, as that is impossible, he is forced to yield, and commends himself to God. We see, at the same time, what sort of beginning the life of the Son of God had, in what cradle he was placed. Such was his condition at his birth, because he had taken upon him our flesh for this purpose, that he might “empty himself” (Phil 2:7) on our account. When he was thrown into a stable, and placed in a manger, and a lodging refused him among men, it was that heaven might be opened to us, not as a temporary lodging, but as our eternal country and inheritance, and that angels might receive us into their abode.

Christ took the manger so that we might have heaven. Are you seeking that “eternal country and inheritance” which Christ came to open for the redeemed?

May the Lord richly bless you and your family during this holiday season!

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle

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