In His infinite wisdom, God chose the smallest and most insignificant town, Bethlehem, for the birth of His Only Son. This choice serves as an example of how God does not define us according to worldly standards. He sees beyond who we are now to who we are destined to be. Each of His disciples and individuals throughout the Old and New Testaments was called not for who they were but for their incredible potential.
The Book of Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus through His adoptive father, Joseph, revealing people with significant flaws. Abraham lied out of fear, Jacob was a deceiver until God transformed him into Israel, and Judah, who faltered in his actions, still played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites. Rahab, a prostitute, and Ruth, a Gentile of Moabite descent, both contributed to God’s redemptive story. Though he sinned, King David had a heart after God, while his son Solomon, the wisest of men, succumbed to idolatry. Yet, through this flawed lineage, we witness that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan, demonstrating His boundless grace. He redeems our past failures to bring forth His future purpose.
In the New Testament, Jesus saw Simon, a flawed fisherman, and recognized his potential as Peter, the rock, who would become the leader of the early church. Likewise, God sees beyond our past deeds and envisions our future in Him. He does not choose the qualified; instead, He qualifies those He calls. If you feel invisible, forgotten, or unworthy, remember that Jesus knows you as you are now and who you will become.
The Apostle Paul reminded us to consider our calling in Christ Jesus, who represents wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Back then, like now, people want to impress others with their wealth, status, or knowledge. Well, God brought His message of salvation to ordinary sinners. He chose people who were considered to be unimportant, like fishermen, a prostitute, or a tax collector, to share His message. Individuals who were despised by those who were in position of authority or high society to share His message. That way, no one could boast as to who they were. If we are to boast, then we should boast about God because everything we need and have come from Him. (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Beloved, do you believe this truth? Will you take a step of faith today and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Remember, God is in the business of restoring lives and transforming us into something extraordinary. Let Him lead you, and your life will be forever changed. I can affirm this is true because I was once lost, and He left the ninety-nine to find me.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see what You see—chosen, beloved, unique, and loved—beyond what the world perceives or who I see in the mirror. Thank You, Lord, for Your restoration and forgiveness. Thank You for loving us so deeply that You chose to come down from heaven and sacrifice Yourself for us, granting us eternity with You. Help me, Lord, to remember this Christmas season and every day that being part of Your family is more important than any dinner invitation or gift, for You, Lord, are the reason for the season. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Reference
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Gonzalez, S. (2024). Light In The Darkness. [Photograph].
