Wednesdays With Wes: 12-14-2022

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2:6-7. The birth of Jesus was a climactic event in God’s plan of salvation - to offer the forgiveness of sins, the defeat of death, the implanting of new life, and a relationship with the eternal God that begins at salvation and continues on throughout forever in the spectacular, blazing glory of Heaven. These are just a few of the things that the coming of the Messiah would eventually bring about. And it all began with the long-awaited birth of Jesus. And yet, who even noticed? Was Caesar there to worship the baby? Was Herod there to worship the Christ-child? Were the people of Israel gathered there to welcome their Messiah? Were the leaders of the world nations there to celebrate the coming King? No. Only a few lowly shepherds and later some foreigners. That was it. What should’ve been a massive gathering in Bethlehem was hardly a blip on the radar screen. But this tells us a really important truth: what is a big deal in Heaven is often a seemingly little deal here on earth. And that is so much the tenor of the Christian life. Things like integrity, humility, and faithfulness are often hardly noticed here on earth. And that can be discouraging. So today, remember that the view from Heaven is very different. Following Jesus may seem small here, but in Heaven God is keeping track. It is bigger than you realize, it matters more than you know, and one day your King will proclaim to you in front of the whole universe and nations gathered, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” And that which appeared to be a little deal on earth will be seen for the big deal that it actually was! One day everything will get its true value. God will make sure of it.