NO ROOM

 

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

 

NO ROOM...But where would they go? She was with child. Her time had come. They were displaced a long trek away from their home. Surely, this was an anxious moment. Surely though, Mary and Joseph trusted God. They knew He had led them all the way to this time and place where they'd be met with NO ROOM. They knew He was God and this was His story.

 

"The NO ROOM sign is seen through a new lens when the world refuses us this space as well."

 

A quote from a friend this past week as the NO ROOM sign flashes blaringly after a long trek to where the Lord has led us. Her words seep in knowingly as He's led us all the way to this time and place, an anxious moment indeed...But He is God and this is His story.

 

NO ROOM

 

It starts my mind thinking. The Savior of the world came lowly. He was born not in a palace where kings usually dwell, but in humility He came. The irony is pure beauty and all the more when He lets us in on just how it feels. Oh, to know more of Him! My heart longs for it, followed by a quick quip from my flesh, Be careful what you wish for. 'Cause this knowing God stuff can be painfully precious and He knows. He is, after all, the Great Author, Creator, Wonderful God who writes brilliant, surprising stories! We trust Him.

 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:10

 

NO ROOM...the notion applies well beyond house and home and hearths to hearts.

How can we ever truly be home here anyway? If we long for heaven as we should, the reality is we can't.

 

^"These all died in faith...having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out,

they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country,

that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,

for he has prepared for them a city."

Hebrews 11:13-16

 

The Lord of Lords knew the same, and challenged those who'd follow Him into the unknown.

 

"And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'"
Luke 9:58

 

Yes, this world is not our home and the hostility here reminds us of the mansion-full of many rooms a far trek from the manger.

Humble low to glory high, the King is on His throne! And there's always room and then some more awaiting those who love Him.

 

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms.

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

John 14:1-3, 18

 

Faith in Jesus equates to peace in stormy lessons that He brings while He molds us Potter/clay (a gift, no doubt, this Christmas season). So, come what may. As the NO ROOM sign burns bright in the bitter cold of winter, our hearts choose comfort warmth in the arms of the God who pens our songs to sing His faithfulness. Tapestry-type harmony, confused on one side, spectacular on the other...those are His-type stories. How kind of Him to let us in and show us how His heart beats strong. And gratitude makes most sense as the nativity scene shines brighter than the one atop the inn- LIGHT and LOVE so dazzling, the right response is worship. Let us sing...

 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13