Jesus was a refugee.
The pastor said this in the benediction today and it struck me.
It was at a program put on by Burmese refugees at a Baptist church in Lowell. She reminded all of us that Jesus had flown from an oppressive regime, something very pertinent to most of the congregation, although not our family. Well, not in the same way. Perhaps, for us, the fact that Jesus was once a refugee will act as a catalyst to get us to help the refugees near us more.
Jesus had to fly from Israel because of a part of the Christmas story that often gets left out. You certainly do not see it in manger scenes and living nativities. The murder of the babies in Bethlehem. A horrible tragedy perpetrated by Herod because he was afraid this new king would be stronger. Boy, was he right! And he didn't succeed. But I do feel for the mothers of all those boys under two.
The pastor also spoke of God making a great nation out of those who had once been refugees in Egypt. "Coincidentally", Jordan asked tonight that we watch The Prince of Egypt. The Pharoah ended up being afraid that the nation of Isreal would be too strong for him to. They were saved from oppression -- and Pharoah, like Herod, was both right and defeated. There are so many echoes!!
It seems that connections are being drawn. I wonder what God has in mind as he brings this topic repeatedly before my mind. It may be exciting to find out.
Have a great day!!
The pastor said this in the benediction today and it struck me.
It was at a program put on by Burmese refugees at a Baptist church in Lowell. She reminded all of us that Jesus had flown from an oppressive regime, something very pertinent to most of the congregation, although not our family. Well, not in the same way. Perhaps, for us, the fact that Jesus was once a refugee will act as a catalyst to get us to help the refugees near us more.
Jesus had to fly from Israel because of a part of the Christmas story that often gets left out. You certainly do not see it in manger scenes and living nativities. The murder of the babies in Bethlehem. A horrible tragedy perpetrated by Herod because he was afraid this new king would be stronger. Boy, was he right! And he didn't succeed. But I do feel for the mothers of all those boys under two.
The pastor also spoke of God making a great nation out of those who had once been refugees in Egypt. "Coincidentally", Jordan asked tonight that we watch The Prince of Egypt. The Pharoah ended up being afraid that the nation of Isreal would be too strong for him to. They were saved from oppression -- and Pharoah, like Herod, was both right and defeated. There are so many echoes!!
It seems that connections are being drawn. I wonder what God has in mind as he brings this topic repeatedly before my mind. It may be exciting to find out.
Have a great day!!
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