The Love of Us

It's true what is said, "the devil is in the details." One missing detail can be disastrous! Re-reading Matthew 1 and Luke 2 this Season, I considered how carefully God planned Jesus' safe arrival in Bethlehem - right down to the transportation. Although the Bible does not [specifically] say Mary rode a donkey, most likely she did. Did you know donkeys are highly intelligent and stronger than a horse its same size; donkeys are not easily startled and have a highly developed sense of self-preservation; they can reason and make decisions based on their own safety and are used as guard-animals for cattle, sheep, and goats; and, although donkeys can certainly survive alone, they prefer companionship. Now that you know this, can you imagine anything smarter or safer or more perfect for Mary and her unborn child by which to make their way to Bethlehem! One quick glance at creation and we know God is all about detail and order - just like He knows and cares about every detail of our lives. His redemptive Son arrived on earth in God's way, in God's time, and according to God's purpose. Some forty years later, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem God's way (via a donkey), in God's time, according to God's purpose. Every detail planned. Every detail perfect. No expense spared. And, why? All for ... the love of us!