The Impossible
It seemed so unlikely to happen. It had never been possible before – as long as the people could remember. What was being proposed was in fact impossible. Yet the promise that was delivered by one of the most powerful beings of his kind was real. He said it was not only possible but it would happen. How can you argue with this kind of statement?
Put yourself in the place where an impossible situation exists and then think about how you can have a small part in solving the problem. Maybe you are living through one today. Think of how impossible it is that you alone can do anything about the circumstances that you and others are facing. Think of how impossible the feelings are at that moment. Put yourself there.
The day that the Angel Gabriel came to meet with Mary it was a setting like that. The situation and circumstances of the world that Mary was a part of were difficult to live with. The control over their country was complete and the way people were treated was terrible. Not only did the cruel Roman Empire have absolute control over their lives, the local ruling parties and powers had the final say in everything they did and carried out the wishes of their masters in Rome.
A simple reading of the Christmas story should allow you to not only catch the fine details of a wonderful story about our Savior Jesus being born but also the situations that they all faced at his birth.
There had been a census ordered from Caesar Augustus – which was closely tired to more taxes. The taxes to be taken benefited only the great power of a foreign country. The taxes would not help their country and people. The people couldn’t afford anymore but would have to pay anyway.
The local government under the Herod family was evil and corrupt. Greed had been manifest at every level. The Herod family was a Jewish clan that had been made royalty over the local people. They were the King of the Jews – however not appointed by God – but by Rome.
This Herod would kill thousands of babies trying to get to Jesus – who was the new King born in Israel.
It was in that setting that Gabriel promised Mary that she would have a son, his name would be Jesus, and that he would be a Saviour of the world. When she protested that it couldn’t happen because she was a virgin the Angel replied with these words…
Luke 1:35 - 37
35. The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37. For nothing is impossible with God."
With God… a virgin giving birth is possible. And if that is possible – nothing is then impossible when God is involved.
So who was Gabriel? He was an archangel that stood in the very presence of God and saw all that God had done. Let’s say that he was aware of everything that God had done, was doing and could ever do. His statement was so powerful… “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Change of directions…
The Christmas story is so powerful for me. I take a step back to my world and take a long hard look at my “impossible” situations. I often speak with the same God that promised Mary these wonderful things. His power has not changed one bit.
A few years ago when I was called to be the pastor of Northview church – I was overwhelmed with the task that I was given to do. I objected to the Lord and was sure that someone else would be better suited to do the task of leading a congregation like this. In fact I was sure of that fact.
As I was speaking with God on one occasion and poured out my concerns, he said some powerful words to me. The statement that he made was simple and clear… “I will take care of it.”
I have found that his promises then are real today. The promises have become even stronger in the last 8 years of my life. He has taken care of all of it. He is in charge of everything and will be long after I am gone.
Do you need a miracle today? I know that I need a few for people that I am working with.
With God – he deals with the Impossible… even in your life. Why not talk to him today?
~ Pastor Murray ~
Put yourself in the place where an impossible situation exists and then think about how you can have a small part in solving the problem. Maybe you are living through one today. Think of how impossible it is that you alone can do anything about the circumstances that you and others are facing. Think of how impossible the feelings are at that moment. Put yourself there.
The day that the Angel Gabriel came to meet with Mary it was a setting like that. The situation and circumstances of the world that Mary was a part of were difficult to live with. The control over their country was complete and the way people were treated was terrible. Not only did the cruel Roman Empire have absolute control over their lives, the local ruling parties and powers had the final say in everything they did and carried out the wishes of their masters in Rome.
A simple reading of the Christmas story should allow you to not only catch the fine details of a wonderful story about our Savior Jesus being born but also the situations that they all faced at his birth.
There had been a census ordered from Caesar Augustus – which was closely tired to more taxes. The taxes to be taken benefited only the great power of a foreign country. The taxes would not help their country and people. The people couldn’t afford anymore but would have to pay anyway.
The local government under the Herod family was evil and corrupt. Greed had been manifest at every level. The Herod family was a Jewish clan that had been made royalty over the local people. They were the King of the Jews – however not appointed by God – but by Rome.
This Herod would kill thousands of babies trying to get to Jesus – who was the new King born in Israel.
It was in that setting that Gabriel promised Mary that she would have a son, his name would be Jesus, and that he would be a Saviour of the world. When she protested that it couldn’t happen because she was a virgin the Angel replied with these words…
Luke 1:35 - 37
35. The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37. For nothing is impossible with God."
With God… a virgin giving birth is possible. And if that is possible – nothing is then impossible when God is involved.
So who was Gabriel? He was an archangel that stood in the very presence of God and saw all that God had done. Let’s say that he was aware of everything that God had done, was doing and could ever do. His statement was so powerful… “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Change of directions…
The Christmas story is so powerful for me. I take a step back to my world and take a long hard look at my “impossible” situations. I often speak with the same God that promised Mary these wonderful things. His power has not changed one bit.
A few years ago when I was called to be the pastor of Northview church – I was overwhelmed with the task that I was given to do. I objected to the Lord and was sure that someone else would be better suited to do the task of leading a congregation like this. In fact I was sure of that fact.
As I was speaking with God on one occasion and poured out my concerns, he said some powerful words to me. The statement that he made was simple and clear… “I will take care of it.”
I have found that his promises then are real today. The promises have become even stronger in the last 8 years of my life. He has taken care of all of it. He is in charge of everything and will be long after I am gone.
Do you need a miracle today? I know that I need a few for people that I am working with.
With God – he deals with the Impossible… even in your life. Why not talk to him today?
~ Pastor Murray ~
posted by Murray Lincoln at
Monday, December 18, 2006
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