The Perfect Family

“Incarnation”

Anyone like to travel? Lots of traveling in the first Christmas. The wise men from afar, the shepherds from their fields, Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Jesus from Heaven to earth.

When we travel, sometimes I say, “Let’s get some coffee.” When I get coffee it is usually black with no cream and no sugar. I ask for a “Tall blonde.” Natalie and I have fun with that.

When Natalie asks for coffee, she says, “Let’s get coffee, but when her coffee is ready - it looks more like dessert. She could say, “Let’s get dessert.”

As troublesome as travel may seem to us, they had not convenient coffee shops along the Judean highways...

Recently, I was able to see some of my first cousins I had not seen for many years. It was nice to catch up a bit. Mary and Elizabeth are described as “cousins.” The word means a relative.

I recently saw my second cousins father. Mary Grace and I were in school together. She is the reason I passed math class. My second cousin and I became friends on Facebook after 2 decades of not seeing each other. John and Jesus would be second cousins.

Jesus became one of us to pay the price for our sin.

JESUS JOINED THE HUMAN FAMILY SO WE COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF HIS HEAVENLY FAMILY…

While the family is not sinless, it is the perfect family to bring the Son of God into the World.

Luke 1:5–10 AV

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Luke 1:11–15 AV

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

Luke 1:16–20 AV

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Luke 1:21–25 AV

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Luke 1:37–42 AV

For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

See this chart with the characters around Jesus…

“Pregnancy lasts for about 280 days or 40 weeks. A preterm or premature baby is delivered before 37 weeks of your pregnancy. Extremely preterm infants are born 23 through 28 weeks.”

Wikipedia considers a baby a “fetus” from week nine until birth.

The “fetus” at 6 months of age leaps in the womb and is cheerful to Hear Mary’s voice. He is 24 weeks old in the Womb and already John responds to God’s Holy Spirit and recognizes voices. It seems more to do with Jesus / Holy Spirit than merely Mary’s happy voice.

It s very possible that Mary stayed to see the birth of John the Baptist. Hard to be dogmatic either way. She stays with Elizabeth 3 months after arriving after Beth was 6 months pregnant. I believe she stayed until delivery.

Then when Mary goes back to Nazareth, She goes to her “own Home.”

Luke 1:56 (AV)

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

At 3 months in the womb, the baby Jesus is fully formed and even His teeth are forming. At 3 months, some women “show” more than others. Elizabeth was able to not “show” for 5 months. As Mary grew, people would talk. She had been gone for 3 months and now comes home pregnant.

Why does Joe think about divorcing her from the “Espousal?” Marriage without consummation??? She was showing. It was evident at some point that she was pregnant. Had this pure and right woman been sinful? What? Why? How?

This is when Matthew’s Gospel talks about Joseph wanting to “put her away privately.” Then the Angel of the Lord appears and says, “Fear not!”

Matthew 1:20 AV

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

There are specific moments in the life, and even the start of a new family that are critical to that family. God always shows up at just the right time!

Matthew 1:23 AV

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Mary is a virgin. She is not an older, experienced woman. the word “Virgin” also is understood as “Young Woman.” She is young, not experienced in wordly things, and has refrained from sexual relationships. Not only is she a virgin, but she has kept herself from the possibility of sexual intimacy- partially because of her youth.

JESUS JOINED THE HUMAN FAMILY SO WE COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF HIS HEAVENLY FAMILY…

Families are not perfect, but they are a gift from God.

A Newswire report this week says only 18 percent of kids have married parents in America today.

Luke 1:37 AV

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Elizabeth can have a baby in old age. Mary, you as a virgin will have a baby. Nothing is too hard for God.

You can have a family that loves God. You can have a husband or a wife one day. If God calls you to marriage, you may even have children and start a family one day. God can! Your marriage could be restored. Hope!

3 Observations from This story:

Families Are Not An Accident.

God has a plan for each home.

People have free will to choose.

NOTE: Bad situations would have been good IF the parents would have yielded to God. People mess everything up because of SIN.

It is not an accident you have the parents you have, and were born in the town you were born in. We do not always realize God’s plan, some of us miss it. God has purposes for all of life.

Romans 8:28 AV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

BTW: There are no accidental conceptions or births with God. In our humans selfishness we may see a baby as incidental or accidental, but that’s not true. Parents, make sure you affirm the worth, value, and meaning of each of your kids.

6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths Happiness in Heaven

The Rev. Dr. A.C. Dixon says that when their little boy Harold died, all the enjoyment of their life was gone. He had no joy in preaching or in any of his work.

When the Christmas festival was to be held in their church, he felt like leaving the city, but remained. The children came to the Christmas tree, had a good time, and seemed to have forgotten all about little Harold.

The next day was Christmas. While the family sat at the table, sad and silent, one of the little ones said, “Papa, this is Harold’s first Christmas in heaven.” Another one quickly replied, “Why, it is Christmas all the time in heaven.” Immediately the sadness disappeared because of the thought of little Harold’s happiness in heaven.

GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR FAMILY. The Family you are in is not an accident with God.

Families Are Not An Accident.

God Uses Regular People.

The perfect man met the perfect woman, and they got married. One Christmas Eve, they were driving down the highway and noticed a man stranded by the side of the road. This was no ordinary man. It was Santa Claus!

Being the perfect people they were, they offered Santa a ride because he was in a hurry to get his toys delivered. Alas, the roads were slippery, and there was a terrible car crash. Two of the three people were killed. Do you know who survived?

The perfect woman. Everyone knows Santa Claus and the perfect man don’t really exist.

Man. (2000). In 6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths. Christianity Today.

Elizabeth. Luke 1:57-66

Luke 1:57–66 AV

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Zach. Luke 1:67-79

Luke 1:67–79 AV

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

John Baptist. Crazy Cousin, John. John did not set the clothing trends: Camel hair clothes. People did not look to him for culinary inspiration: bugs for food. Orators did not seek his advice for public speaking: His was abrasive preaching style. Real estate agents avoided his location: the wilderness.

Luke 1:80 (AV)

And the child (John) grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Yet, John is the one leading the way to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb!”

Mary. Delivers Jesus and Serves the Lord. Luke 2:21-24

Luke 2:21–24 AV

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update Leviticus 12

The birth of a child, though a happy occasion, was a reminder that sin is transmitted to each person. Thus the mother was banned from performing religious duties for 40 days (in the case of a baby boy) or 80 days (in the case of a baby girl). After this time she had to bring a burnt offering and a sin offering.

WHY A Sacrifice for Jesus? It was actually for Mary. Leviticus 12.

BTW: If Mary was sinless, she would not have needed to bring a sacrifice. She was pure in body and right in spirit, but not sinless. Mary needed Jesus just as much as we need Jesus.

Joseph. Luke 2:1-6

Luke 2:1–6 AV

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

God Uses Willing People, Not Sinless (Perfect) People.

God Uses Regular People, Not Outstanding People.

BTW: The famous or “perfect” people we think w know are sinful people just as much. Some make more of their situation than others.

Life is full of conflict! Faith, Zach? Divorce, Joe? HOW WILL YOU HANDLE LIFE? Faithfulness to God’s will is true Success!

JESUS JOINED THE HUMAN FAMILY SO WE COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF HIS HEAVENLY FAMILY…

Families Are Not An Accident.

God Uses Regular People.

God’s Family is Incomplete - Without You.

JESUS JOINED THE HUMAN FAMILY SO WE COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF HIS HEAVENLY FAMILY…

10,000 Sermon Illustrations Father God

I read about a small boy who was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing.

At dinner that night, the boy looked at his plate. There was a slice of bread and a glass of water. He looked at his father’s full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent. The boy was crushed.

The father waited for the full impact to sink in, then quietly took the boy’s plate and placed it in front of himself. He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of the boy, and smiled at his son. When that boy grew to be a man, he said, “All my life I’ve known what God is like by what my father did that night.”

Jesus traded your sin for His sinlessness.

Jesus took your death and rose again.

John 1:12 AV

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God Wants to be Your Heavenly Father.

Become a Child of God today - by faith!

JESUS JOINED THE HUMAN FAMILY SO WE COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF HIS HEAVENLY FAMILY…

Jesus joined humanity so we could join Him in eternity!

Families are not perfect, but they are a gift from God.

RESPONSE:

Thank God for your family. There are no perfect families, but God gave you to your family. confess any wrong, ask forgiveness then Make the most of your relationships.

Be thankful that God uses regular people. Ask the Lord to perform His will through your life. Be willing to Serve Him.

Become part of God’s family today. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savoir. Believe the Gospel.