Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 6, 2020

For the Sake of His People

Luke 2:1-12

The Lord’s providential orchestration of events surrounding Christ’s birth reflects His passionate concern for His people and His glory.

1. Confirmation of the Scope of His Control (1-5)

• Luke’s meticulous record
• a decree and a registration
• providential coordination (Micah 5:2, Prov. 21:1)
• glory and conformity

2. Confirmation through a Seeming Contradiction (6-12)

• what He surely could have done
• what He willed to do: no vacancy (2 Cor. 8:9)
• swaddled in a manger
• hammered on a cross
• an unsettling otherworldliness

3. So What?

• Because God reigns over both the massive and miniscule issues of your life, joyfully rest in His stewardship of your circumstances.
• “Some providences, like Hebrew letters, must be read backwards.” (Flavel)
• “God rules over even motel capacities for the sake of His name and people.” (Piper)
• “Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, when Thou camest to earth for me; but in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room for Thy holy nativity. O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee…” (Elliott)