Unlikely Place, Unlikely Rescue

This original post was recently published on our church’s blog. I thought I’d share a portion of it here today, with a link below for you to continue reading.

The season of Advent seems like the perfect time to remind us all of this important truth: appearances are limited in their ability to tell the whole story.

First century Palestine was a tangled web of political bullying and economic power mongering. The military of Rome and the religion of the Pharisees reigned with iron fists that opened only to snatch more money from the overtaxed Jews. The gods of power and wealth and position were worshiped by a corrupt government that demanded total allegiance from the oppressed.

Words of rescue rose from the pages of the Hebrew Scriptures. The faithful voices of the ancient prophets spoke truth to the weary Jews. Their Savior, a promise of relief to their battered lives, was on his way. Finally! Their Messiah would come to free them from the economic chains, the impossible standards of the religious elite, and the cruelty of Rome. A mighty King of valor would save them. A commander with class and clout would bring their wicked oppressors to their knees. Like the chosen young Jewish girl, the chosen people of Israel grew pregnant with hope.

To continue reading, click here.

Featured image by Greyson Joralemon at Unsplash.