God Chooses to Have Partners
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about …
Matthew 1:18
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“Daddy, can I help?” I used to wince when one of my small children asked me this. It meant that whatever project I was working on—changing the oil in the car, dividing perennials in the garden, or painting a room in the house—was going to take longer than I’d planned. I would have to slow down and engage their clumsy little hands rather than rely on my own. I would have to decide that my relationship with them was more important than the project I was working on.
Something similar happens as God works to redeem the world from sin. Along the way, God partners with clueless, flawed, and fickle human beings. Most of them don’t ask to be involved, but he involves them anyway. It seems that God wants to draw sin-twisted people into his restoring work not only as beneficia-ries—but as partners too!
We get a glimpse of this divine pattern through a little detail in our text. As Matthew begins the story of Jesus’ birth, he writes, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about …” What follows is not a report of what God does. What we find instead is a story about people that God uses—Joseph and Mary! God makes use of their hands and hearts at this critical point in history. It’s as if the project that God is working on becomes more delightful for him when others are part of it!
As you call us to be your partners in kingdom projects today, Lord, make us eager and obedient. Use us in your work for your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Dave Den Haan
Dave Den Haan is an ordained minister who works for Thrive, the Christian Reformed Church in North America agency that equips and encourages congregations. His main focus is to serve churches experiencing conflict and challenge. Before working with Thrive, Dave served as a pastor to two congregations, one in Minnesota and one in Michigan. He and his wife, Connie, have three married children and two grandchildren.
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