Just An Ordinary Day Archives - The Gospel Outpost

Just An Ordinary Day | Mary

November 26, 2018

For a moment that would change the trajectory of her life, the coming of the angel Gabriel seemed out of the ordinary for this young girl. She was engaged to be married to Joseph, a good man, who obeyed the law as good Jewish man. During that day, engagement meant more than just pre-marriage but the two committed to one another through their engagement, consummating their unity at their wedding. Joseph and Mary were no exception to this, remaining a virgin. Although they were good people, Mary and Joseph did not come from distinguished backgrounds or wealth and status. Mary found favor with God in the ordinary circumstances of her life as she faithfully followed God. With the announcement of Gabriel that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary trusted God to walk her through an impossible situation giving glory to God in through faithfully trusting God to lead her through every step.

Just An Ordinary Day | Joseph

December 3, 2018

Jospeh led a good but uneventful life. During that time, he found himself betrothed to a wonderful woman. They obediently followed God, refusing to give in to their desires by consummating their relationship before the wedding night. Then, Mary gave him the news that would shatter his heart; “I’m pregnant.” Joseph, being a man of integrity, knew the child could not be his. Yet, he understood the implications and consequences of what would happen to Mary if they divorced because of her “infidelity.” From Joseph’s perspective, He had full right to drag her before the temple and have her stone. Yet, while a man of righteous faith, Joseph also sought to be a man of love and great grace, choosing instead to spare her by divorcing her quietly. On this night, on just an ordinary day, Joseph’s life would change forever.

Just An Ordinary Day | Simeon

December 10, 2018

Luke describes Simeon as righteous and devout. The Lord told him that he would not die until he saw the Savior who would come. So, the life of Simeon became a waiting game for God to reveal Himself. God gave no indication to Simeon as to when or where Christ would appear nor would there be circumstances that could hasten the coming. Everything would be completed on God’s timing and providence. Thus, for Simeon, expectation and waiting on the Lord became the every day, the mundane, and the normal. Until one day, a single event would fulfill the prophesies and the prophet who would speak them.

Just An Ordinary Day | Shepherds

December 17, 2018

Shepherds, in that day, tended to not be the cleanest of people. They carried the reputation of dirty, inappropriate vagabonds who preferred the company of animals instead of mankind. They lived with the animals in the field to keep an eye on the animals. Their job consumed their life and this specific day, for all they knew, was just an ordinary day. Out of the ordinary, heavenly hosts appeared proclaiming the coming of the Savior. These outcasts of society received the proclamation of the presence of the King over all eternity. The Savior had arrived in lowly circumstances and the angelic hosts came to the lowliest of people. For the shepherds, they understood their unholiness and filthy ness, both externally and spiritually, and risked their livelihood to behold the face of the Savior.

Just An Ordinary Day | Jesus

December 24, 2018

We like to believe that Jesus and Satan actively battle for the souls and lives of mankind., each trying to beat the other in some divine spiritual competition. We share images of Jesus and Satan standing face to face as if they are preparing for a boxing match with the outcome largely unknown. Nothing could be further from the truth. For Jesus, there is no contest between the defunct fallen angel and the Son of God and ruler of all creation. Maintaining Divine rule over all creation requires nothing beyond the instrinsic personhood that He naturally exerts. Bringing salvation to mankind by becoming incarnate had been the plan from the beginning, not a plan B in response to sin. Rather, the work of Christ paved the only path for our return. While hugely momentous and the turning point of creation, for Jesus Christ, this event displayed the ordinary activities for a God incarnate who does the extraordinary for the unworthy.

Focusing on The Blessings in 2019

December 31, 2018

As I started 2018, I found a hope that, from the previous years, remained highly elusive. Numerous persons had routinely told me “This is going to be your year!” Quickly, I formulated things to do and ways to improve my spiritual health and well being. I met the first few weeks with gusto, powering through the challenges, pushing my skills and abilities, while simultaneously working on some persistent habitual sins that seemed to find a home. To Ben honest, for while, things were going pretty good. I felt like a super Christian.