On this week after Christmas, I thought I’d share with you something I came across years ago. This is my favorite mention of Christ’s birth in Scripture. Where is it found? In the oldest book of the Bible: Job.
In Job 39:9, God says, Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night?” Can you believe that? I first worked this into a sermon I preached over 10 years ago and loved seeing the looks of the people in the congregation – especially my senior pastor who had a look of “That’s in Job???!!!!” on his face.
Yes, even in the oldest book of the Bible, long before the prophecies of the Old Testament, God knew He was coming to earth in the form of man and gave us a glimpse into his mind and heart by mentioning his humble birth in a manger. He also was tipping His hand to Job that He was in total control of all creation and even animals obey and serve Him. The way He refers to the “wild ox” is as if it was their on guard to protect the Christ Child. Amazing.
Often times we think of Mary and Joseph at the inn being surprised that the inn was full and thinking that the manger was Plan B – like this was a shock and disappointment to God. Far from it! God knew exactly what His coming to Earth would be like and did nothing to change it. He WANTED to be born in a humble and lowly way. What a Savior! What a King!
So, what’s your favorite Christmas passage?