Hard to Believe

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” Mathew 1:18

Stories travel fast in small towns.  “She says she’s a virgin,” they all said. “Come now who is going to believe that?”  Even Joseph her betrothed didn’t believe it, until an angel paid him a visit. Mary knew the truth from the beginning.

He came to earth in an unusual way, on a day like any other and no one took notice.  A mighty host filled the evening sky declaring the Holy One of God was here, but only the shepherds heard.  Such a mysterious and odd way for God to visit us.  Why not a grand entrance to prove His existence? But this pleased Him, for without faith it is impossible to please God.

When He told them who He was and where He came from, they couldn’t believe it. “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph whose father and mother we know? How can he now say I came down from heaven?” (John 6:42) His own brothers did not believe Him and those that knew Him were offended and said, “He’s out of His mind”. (Mark 3:21)

Then they put Him on a cross. They shook their heads and said, “if you’re really Him, come down and then we’ll believe in You. They missed His entrance through the womb of a virgin girl.  You and I wouldn’t have believed either had we been there.

Her heart was pierced as she watched Him die.  And three days later some of those in that small town saw the truth for themselves.

“Father we know that with You all things are possible.  Help us to believe the impossible. May we trust that Your purposes for us go far beyond what we can see in this life.”