Jesus gives you a place

"I will prepare you a place." John 14.2

 

At the time of Jesus birth, Israel was in turmoil. The Emperor Augustus demanded a census, to count the Hebrew people. The Romans would not forget anyone for taxes. All the people then began to move, each one to return to his hometown. Bethlehem was the birthplace of the great King David, so Mary and Joseph, his descendants, undertook the journey. The city was taken by assault, as it was near the capital of Jerusalem, just eight kilometers away. Families were recomposed : uncles, aunts, nephews, cousins, etc. The number of inhabitants multiplied, the streets crowded with people. In spite of the fortunate lodgings and inns, which had thrived on this occasion, Bethlehem could not offer enough beds for travelers. This was the case for Mary and Joseph ; For lack of space, they took refuge in a stable to spend the night there. In the streets, believers and unbelievers mixed. Taverns, songs escaped, sprinkled with wine. It is in this curious context that our Savior was born.
The earthly life of Jesus began in a stable and continued on a cross ...

The people were not there by gayety of heart ; He had been summoned by the Emperor to be taxed. Augustus wanted to ensure that all citizens receive their tax returns. In other words, people came to give and not to receive. However, the most beautiful gifts were preparing, unbeknownst to them. How many passed by the stable without paying heed to the treasure of the heavens that were near them ? The greatest gift of humanity was enveloped in mystery. No one paid any attention to it, the Son of God entered humanity without a place for him.

The earthly life of Jesus began in a stable and continued on a cross, to end in an empty tomb. Jesus declared : "Foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has not a place where he can rest his head." Luke 9:58. All his life he had the object of reconciling us with his Father, and of making us a place in his heaven of glory. What Grace.

When he was born, the men gave him a dilapidated barn because there was no place for him in the inn. People passed by the stable, without showing any interest in the child born in the straw. However, he was born to make us a place at the Paradise Hotel. Therefore, none of those who gave him his life shall remain outside before the gates of heaven. Everyone will be invited to enter the house he has prepared for us.

A recognition for today

Lord, thank you for the place you have prepared for me.

Patrice Martorano

Source (The Thought of the Day)