LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Saturday 24th December 2022
IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
Scripture Reading: Luke 2
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2:4-5
God uses places to link us to His purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see God moving His people from one place to another in order for Him to do something for them. God asked Abraham to move from His homeland to seek a promised land. The Lord instructed the prophet Elijah to move to Zarephath to receive help. Naomi and Ruth moved from Moab to Bethlehem to connect to what the Lord had prepared for them.
The passage teaches us that:
• Mary and Joseph were at the right place. The road terrain for the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was harsh and went through flatlands and hills. Those hills were also the den of wild animals such as lions, as well as thieves. After traveling a distance of about 140 kilometers, Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem – the right place for Christ to be born.
Sometimes it takes a tiresome process to move us from where we are to the place God wants us to be.
• Mary and Joseph walked into prophecy. Through many dangers, toils and snares, God led the mother of Jesus and her husband into the appointed place for Christ’s birth.
Mary and Joseph likely had other people travelling on the journey with them; each of them affected by the tax decree, but none of them had any clue Who the young mother was carrying. The other travelers on the road to Bethlehem were merely moving at the command of a Roman Governor. However, Mary and Joseph were moving at God’s command.
• Mary and Joseph arrived at the right time. They arrived at the time when Christ was due to be born – in the right place at the right time.
If you genuinely believe in God’s sovereignty and purposes for your life, you can trust Him to order your steps to the right place at the right time.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are my Sovereign Guide. Order my steps to the right place, and in the right time. In Jesus’ name, Amen!