From Nazareth to Bethlehem
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.” – Luke 2:4a, 6
Can you imagine today having to go back to the city you were born in to file your Income Taxes? Can you even picture what driving on the highways would be like? And what about the airports, train stations, and bus depots?
Many people would be traveling because, nowadays, no one lives in the town where they were born. And so it was with Joseph. Our scripture tells us Joseph had to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem to be taxed because he was of “the house and lineage of David”. At least that was the superficial reason. However, there was a much more profound reason behind this act. The Messiah was to be born!
The Prophet Micah had declared that the Messiah would be born in the City of Bethlehem. Up until this point, Joseph and Mary were in the wrong city. So to fulfill the prophecy, Joseph and Mary had to leave Nazareth.
If we look at this event from a deeper perspective, you could say Mary was now leaving her place of conception going into her place of purpose. For you see, while Mary was in Nazareth, she conceived and carried a precious seed –– the prophetic word. Then, when she and Joseph took the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, that move symbolized the manifestation of purpose. Mary’s sole purpose on earth was to be the birthing channel through which Jesus was to be born.
The whole act from conception to birth was unusual. God strategically worked His plan to fulfill His purpose. And so we can say, “This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” – Psalm 118:23
This supernatural experience was God’s plan in the beginning. He divinely orchestrated the story and the characters that surrounded the plot. It was God, Who inspired Caesar Augustus to put out the decree that caused Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth. The couple being the good citizens that they were, were obedient to the law of the land. They took the journey to further God’s plan.
I propose to you today. It is time for you to move from your place of conception to your place of purpose. The seed – the prophetic word – God, imparted in the last season, is ready to come forth. Now’s the time to listen attentively for the Fathers’ voice so that you can make the transition.
As deep calls unto deep, God is calling us into a deeper place in Him.
As we embark upon a New Year, increase your time with God to hear the instructions of the Lord. Fill your atmosphere with prayer, praise, and worship, and meditate on His word.
Mary completed her assignment with joy.
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38
One could even say her life after the birth of Jesus was one of honor.
So, I say to you today, finish your year knowing your next step. Seek the Father’s heart concerning you. And position yourself for your next season within purpose.
Have a Wonderfully Blessed Christmas!
Join me next week for Coffee on The Couch.
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