Jonathan was a seasoned veteran, having been in numerous missions behind enemy lines. But this encounter would be different. This is what they had been planning and strategizing for years: the ultimate invasion campaign. All the battles of the past were just the prelude to this place and this moment.
Jonathan marveled at the brilliance and integrity of the Leader. Through what many would consider multiple discouragements, the Leader never wavered, never lost sight of his intention, always confident of ultimate victory. The Leader was admired by all the troops, and they would do anything for him.
What Jonathan couldn't figure out was why the Leader would spend so much time and energy, sparing no expense, to repeatedly help this group of people. They certainly weren't loyal to him, and there was no way they could ever repay the Leader for all he had done. In fact, they often took the Leader’s efforts on their behalf for granted.
As he looked back on it, there was a well-ingrained pattern. The Leader had promised to assist and protect these people, and even though they never took their agreement with him seriously, the Leader never went back on his word to them. These people would get in a crisis, send pleas for assistance, and the Leader would always respond and meet their need. These people would be grateful, but only for short time, rapidly becoming indifferent, and often even resentful or insulting. After a while, their poor choices would get them in another bad situation and they would appeal to the Leader again for help.
Jonathan remembered the time he shared his observations with Daniel, the battalion commander and one of the fiercest combatants on the battlefield. “These people don't deserve the Leader’s time. They don't appreciate what the Leader does for them. Why doesn't he just shake them off and let them go?”
Daniel's answer was swift. “He wants these people to trust him and believe his word. He never breaks a promise to anyone.”
“But just look at all the energy and resources he's wasting on them,” Jonathan countered. “Think of all the times we've brought provisions to them, food and water in covert operations, assisting them in battle so they could overthrow their oppressors. What tribute has the Leader ever gotten from them for all his efforts?”
Daniel's eyes softened, as he put his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “You forget Jonathan, they are his estranged family. The Leader is a promise keeper, and as a Father, he will never go back on his word to his children. Never!”
So now they stood shoulder to shoulder, a mighty invasion force waiting for the signal. The first phase of the invasion campaign, a covert operation, had been successfully completed several months earlier. The ultimate secret weapon was planted behind enemy lines, and this was the moment to reveal it.
As they marched in unison, their feet crossed the time-space dimension, and brilliant light pierced through the curtain of darkness. Immediately they all raised the triumphant invasion announcement: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to the people on whom His favor rests.”
All Father God's promises culminate in the secret weapon of His Son, Jesus Christ, coming to Earth and being born as one of us. Christmas is the time we remember that our Father God is the eternal Promise Keeper. He has never broken His word to us, and He wants us to believe and trust Him. (Psalm 145:13; Hebrews 6:18)
Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We are beginning a new series: “A Faith Filled Christmas.” We will be discussing how believing God's promises builds faith in our relationship with Him. Our topic this week will be: “Mary's Faith, Part I.”
Pastor Che
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