NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

Nazareth and everyday life is the theme for our reflection. Nazareth during the time of Jesus was a small suburb of Galilee in the northern part of Israel. It became Jesus’ home because Joseph wanted his family to be safe when they returned from seeking asylum in Egypt. Joseph “…got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:21-23)

Sometimes events in life determine where we live and work. Joseph had to decide to live in Nazareth for safety reason and that would become the town to host Jesus Christ, our Saviour. He had a peaceful childhood devoid of any evil plot to end His life. He learnt the trade of carpentry from His father and I believe He practised carpentry until he began His earthly ministry. Jesus before He became a public figure in Galilee lived a simple life. Galilee provided a safe haven for Jesus to grow from childhood to adulthood.

The key lesson from today’s reflection is that sometimes situations in life may lead us to places we do not anticipate to live and work but we must always trust the Lord to provide for us and make His will come to pass in our lives regardless of our geographical location or uncomfortable circumstances. The grace of God and His will for our lives is not limited to geographical location, the most important fact in life is that in our everyday life we must remain connected to God. Nazareth was a small and insignificant town in Galilee and indeed the whole of Israel, It is for this reason, Nathaniel re-echoed the popular saying or cliche at the time, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). Dear friend, the migration of Jesus and His parents to Nazareth eventually made the town popular. Nazareth became home to the greatest man who ever walked on the face of the earth. He performed unprecedented miracles and above all gave sinful humanity the opportunity to repent and become the sons and daughters of God. You may begin your life in a small and insignificant way but your relationship with God will lead you to greatness. Don’t let your Nazareth or humble beginning discourage you. Don’t let your family background or where you find yourself currently and the hopeless situation you find yourself in discourage you. You are destined for greatness, keep trusting the Lord and keep working hard and don’t give up! Jesus’ contemporaries I’m Nazareth and the region of Galilee were shocked when they saw Him doing great things, they usually will exclaim, is that not the carpenter’s son?! God does not look at your insignificant background or small beginnings so long as you have a covenant relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and you allow Him to do His will in your life, you will become great in your Nazareth. Jesus assures us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Dear friend, don’t give up, God is with you in your Nazareth (small beginnings) and everyday life just as He was with Jesus and His family. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, lead us and let Your will be done in our lives. Bless our humble beginnings and make us great to the glory of Your Holy Name. Amen.