Great Expectations
Luke 2:4 – 7 “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
The Jewish people had eagerly awaited the birth of the Messiah. This man was to be their king, and in their minds, he would bring them to political greatness. But God had different plans. He had much greater things in store for His Son than a limited earthly reign. And as we learn here, God doesn’t always work according to our expectations.
The Jews were looking for a wealthy, powerful leader. God sent His Son to a poor, humble carpenter. The people were anticipating someone like David – tall, handsome and strong. But Jesus appeared to be just a regular guy. The Jewish people were looking for someone born in a palace. Their king would certainly never arrive in a dirty cave carved into the side of a hill.
It makes me wonder . . . how many times have I missed God’s great plan for my life, just because I was looking for my own ideals and desires to be filled? How many times have I overlooked something spectacular, just because it wasn’t “dressed properly”?
Sometimes, we get caught up in our expectations, and we forget to focus on God! He is working all around us, but we will often miss Him, because we expect Him to fill our orders and grant our requests. And all the while, He could be doing something great, right under our noses.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss God. I want to keep my eyes peeled for His work, whatever form that may take. Whether it be a job that wasn’t my first choice, or an unexpected offer of friendship from someone who isn’t my “type”, or a circumstance that seems less than ideal, I want to watch for Him. And I just might be surprised at what I find.
Dear Father, Thank You for working in unexpected ways. Help me to watch, and to recognize where You are working.
Amen
For a second cup, see: 1 Samuel 16:1,4; John 7:42; Matthew 1:16, 18, 25, 27
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August 11th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Unexpected surprises. Yes, my life’s been full of them. And each one has proven (eventually) to be a wonderful gift from God.
Blessings,
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
August 11th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Hi Jean! Yes, my life has been that way, too. I’m so glad that God sent that one unexpected surprise, that night in Bethlehem, aren’t you?
August 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Renae,
We do so often look for something great … when the greatest came as the least.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:56 am
It’s a powerful lesson, isn’t it, Lillie?
August 11th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
god goes beyond our expectaions. Isn ‘t that great.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Yes, Amrita. He is wonderful, isn’t He?
August 12th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I’m thinking something like this just happened to me. I wasn’t getting the message at all. Instead I was feeling sorry for myself because my plans were suddenly, unexpectedly changed and pouting seemed to be my best defense (oh and shedding a few tears) oh and lets not forget copping an attitude. I went to one blog http://www.jlomowriter.blogspot.com/ which brought me to this blog and I felt clarity came through. I’m not sure what God’s message to me is but its his plan not mine. I was not supposed to go where I wanted to go today no matter what. It still stings but darn it I’m learning.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hi Robyn! I’m so glad you came here today, whatever the reason! It’s hard for me too, when I have my heart set on something and it doesn’t happen. But we never know what God may have been protecting us from, or what good things He may have in store for us elsewhere.
Hope to see you back again soon!
August 15th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Praise God that someone was directed to Morning Coffee through the banner on my blog.
And that you ministered to her that day.
God works in mysterious ways!
Thank you for this reminder today to look for God in the poor and lowly, whether it be our circumstances or the people around us.
Love,
Jlo
August 15th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Good morning, Judi! Yes, I get a lot of traffic from your blog. And I know that you minister to a lot of people there – I’m one of them!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Dear Renae,
yes I too can witness that God works in wonderful ways and that his banner over me is LOVE.
From Felisol
August 21st, 2008 at 6:04 am
Isn’t it great that He loves us so much, Felisol?