George Bernard Shaw wrote, “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and, if they can’t find them, make them.” Jesus provides a model for overcoming circumstances so you can fulfill your God-given destiny. People were constantly amazed about Jesus beginning with His birth and extending to His purpose and ministry. God wants to use you!
Amazement Over Jesus’ Humble Birth
As John the Baptist grew strong in spirit, Caesar Augustus decreed a census be taken in all the earth. Joseph, from house of David, and his pregnant fiance, Mary, traveled from Nazareth registered and then gave birth to Jesus. They wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn (Lk. 2:1-7). Instead of a royal palace, Jesus was born in a humble stable.
Amazement Over Jesus’ Loving Purpose
While shepherds watched their flock by night, an angel of the Lord said to not fear since He brought good news of great joy for all the people. A Savior, Christ the Lord, would be born today in the city of David. Their sign: a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. A multitude of heavenly host praised God saying that Jesus would bring peace on earth “among men with whom He is pleased.” Mary treasured and pondered everything the shepherds told her about Christ (Lk. 2:8-20). A baby born in a manger would bring peace on earth, a purpose filled with love
Amazement Over Jesus’ Supernatural Work
After eight days and before His circumcision, the angel gave the name, Jesus, before He was conceived in the womb. Mary and Joseph purified their first-born with sacrifices of turtledoves and two young pigeons offered to the Lord. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before his death. He held the baby Jesus and said, “. . . For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, . . . A light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.” His parents were amazed at things being said about Him. Anna, a prophetess and widow who served night and day with fastings and prayers, “continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Lk. 2:21-38). A human ordained by an angel to be called Jesus would bring salvation, revelation and glory to all humankind.
Amazement Over Jesus’ Spiritual Relationship
After Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth, the Child continued to grow, increasing in wisdom with the grace of God upon Him (Lk. 2:39-40). As a human being, Jesus grew spiritually as He depended upon His Father, even though He is God.
Amazement Over Jesus’ Wise Teaching
When Jesus was twelve, his earthly parents found Him in the temple, listening to teachers and asking them questions. All were amazed at His understanding and answers. After asking why He was there, Jesus told His parents that “I had to be in My Father’s house.” They did not understand the statement He made to them. Back in Nazareth, Jesus continued in subjection to them and His mother treasured all things in heart (Lk. 2:41-51). Jesus’ relationship with God the Father and submission to earthly authorities allowed Him to share wisdom and teaching beyond His years on earth.
Amazement Over Jesus’ Balanced Personal Development
He kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men (Lk. 2:52). Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially just like any human being.
What circumstances have you experienced that make it difficult for you to believe that God will use you? How does Jesus’ early life above encourage you to believe that He has a mighty destiny for you?
