Matthew 1:21 KJV
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
The vessel was not always popular. If an amazing gift like the Saviour of the world was promised, you will expect to find such a great gift in palaces. At least, the wise men thought so too, and they came to Herod's palace, seeking the Saviour to be born. The people of thst time had no idea what was about to happen, and they went about their usual busy lives, unaware that their lives were about to change. Even the vessel did not fully understand what was about to happen, but she was willing to surrender her life for the work that God wanted to do. The shepherds in the field were also at work that night, and they also got the news of the birth of the Saviour of the world. Different audiences, different reactions and receptions. The same message, but different responses. Herod went on a murdering spree, the wise men came and bowed before a child they had just met, the shepherds came and worshipped the same child, and I am sure the mother and father would have sat there wondering what was going on.
As it was then, so is it now. The gift that was given then is still available today. Just as men had the power to choose how to respond then, so do we now have the power to choose to respond. I can reject the gift, or I can worship the gift. I can pretend to like the gift, to see what I can get from it, or I can surrender my life to that gift and let Him do with me whatever He pleases. The vessel was totally surrendered, and by her the Saviour was born. His name, assignment and purpose were laid out before he was born, and He set about that assignment. Today, I am a recipient and beneficiary of that assignment. I can make a claim on the benefit of that purpose, the key being salvation from sin. I note that this is the only thing mentioned in the verse above. He is also the protector, provider and Healer, but what use would a healthy body be if there is no eternal life to look forward to? Why settle for just a drink when I can have the entire vineyard? The gift is here; the decision on what to do with it has to be made today. What would yours be? God's time of favour is here.
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