There is a T.V. show about the life of Jesus and his disciples called ‘The Chosen.’ In one of the scenes Jesus is choosing Matthew, the tax collector, to follow him. The other disciples object because Matthew is a Jew working for the Romans to take money from other Jews. They despise Matthew. Simon Peter speaks up and says, “Rabbi, this doesn’t make any sense?” Jesus responds, “When I called you Simon it didn’t make any sense.” Simon says, “Yes, but this is different, he’s a tax collector!” Jesus responds, “Get used to different.”

Are you willing to get used to different? Are you willing to take Jesus out the box you’ve put him in and realize who He truly is?

Scriptures – 1 Peter 2:9, Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 7:28-29, Luke 6:45, Philippians 1:6, 2:9-11, 4:6-7

Thought – The last 2 years have been very different in our country. We have divisions in our nation, in our politics, in our news and the list continues. Has your foundation for faith and life been shaken with all these changes? Is it possible that we’ve been putting too much focus on the kingdoms of this world instead of the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ birth signals the beginning of building the kingdom of God which is changing one heart one life at a time from the inside out by the power and grace of Christ. What do we know about Jesus?

Isaiah 9:6 tells us, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The government rests on His shoulders. The question isn’t what’s going on in D.C. but what’s happening with J.C. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Let the reality of who Jesus is change you this Christmas and into the new year.

Questions – Have all the changes over the last 2 years caused you to draw closer to Christ or moved you further away? Do you believe the government rests on his shoulders? Why or why not? What area in your life do you need his wonderful counsel? How could God move in your life today that would show you He is Mighty? Are you focused on the temporary or the eternal? Where do you need to experience peace from the Prince of Peace?

Prayer – Father, help us to evaluate our foundations and choose to build on the solid eternal foundation of Jesus Christ. Give us the strength and wisdom to turn our focus to you this season. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen