NO ROOM FOR THEM Monday:
" And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)
From the viewpoint of the flesh, it had been a long and tedious journey for Joseph and Mary. Even though Mary had been singularly blessed by God, and was carrying "the Son of God," she had not been freed from inconvenience. About the time the "holy child" was to be born, some travel plans had to be made. While God was preparing the world for an "unspeakable gift," the world was collecting taxes. God was giving while men were taking!
At that time, collecting taxes was not attending with the convenience that now accompany such requirements. At the precise time God was sending His Son for ALL the world, "there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that ALL the world should be taxed" (Lk 2:1). This was actually a census, or enrollment, and formed the basis upon which taxes were collected. Each family returned to its home town for this occasion. For Joseph, that meant Bethlehem, "the city of David" (v 4). Although small, this was a city with a rich heritage, being founded by Salma, the son of Caleb (1 Chron 2:51), and the place where Rachel was buried (Gen 35:19). It is also the city where Ruth and Boaz, David's great grandparents, resided (Ruth 4:11-17).
There was no requirement, according to Roman law, for Mary to attend Joseph in going to their home town. The presence of Joseph would suffice for providing the requirements of the census. That would certainly have been more convenient for Mary, for she was "great with child," or near the time of its delivery (Lk 2:5). God had already revealed the Savior would be born in Bethlehem of Judea (Micah 5:2). Thus, it became necessary for Mary to go with Joseph. No doubt they both knew the prophecy of Micah, and determined to order their lives in accord with it. The couple traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a distance of approximately 85 miles–and there was no convenient form of travel.
While they were there, and in fulfillment of Micah's promises, Mary delivered the "holy Child" (Acts 4:27), her "firstborn son." Swaddling clothes were bands wrapped around the newborn infant for protection and warmth. With care, the mother of our Lord then laid the holy child "in a manger," a stall from which lowly cattle were fed. The reason for this humble holding place is stated: "there was no room for them in the inn."
The spirit of both Joseph and Mary surfaced during this most inconvenient circumstance. They immediately set about to resolve their dilemma, and God was with them. Like Jochebed, Moses' mother, Mary was not overcome by hard circumstances, but became creative, and found a way to protect her son–a stewardship given to her by God.
We are not told WHY there was no room for them in the inn–whether it was a matter of cold rejection, or simply of no further provisions being available. I suspect some of both were involved. At any rate, the occasion was like a Divine commentary. The Son of God, who had the preeminent place in heaven, could find no place in little Bethlehem, rich with religious heritage. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11)–even in His infancy. In this sense, the verse reads, "because there was not room for THEM in the inn."
What is more, it would have been inappropriate for the holy child to be born in the inn–a place of business and commerce. Far better to be "laid in a manger" in isolation, than amidst the tumult of an unspiritual society.
There are other significant parallels to be seen here. Jesus found His first resting place in a manger–an area for the beasts of the earth. So he also finds a place in the hearts of men, formerly occupied by beastly fits and tempers. Too, compared to heaven, earth was a place for those who had degenerated to a state of beastliness.
Also, He was placed in a manger–a place reserved for feeding. Just as surely as cattle came to the manger for nourishment, so wise men come to the place Jesus resides for spiritual feeding. Ah, so much tender associations with this lowly beginning!
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Christ Jesus, I praise You for surrounding the birth of Your Savior such greatness, and such glorifying responses by both men and angels. Grant me grace to honor Him as an exalted King, and not only as a humbled Babe.