The Bethlehem Dilemma
I should have given her a place to stay. She was clearly ready to deliver her baby. What was I thinking? There were just so many people everywhere, everyone wanting something.
“Do you have a room?”
“Will we have dinner?”
“Why are your rooms so expensive?”
“I need water”
“Where is the extra hay in the stable?”
This and that and what and why. So many people, too many people. Finally, we were full, and night had fallen. I could do no more. I closed the doors and went in to have dinner with my family. Even they were displeased.
“Papa we are hungry. Why did you take so long?”
My wife Lillian whispering under her breath, “Why does your family always get last place?”
I was just exhausted, done, and then another knock on the door, another request and so late. I would say no, no matter what.
“No, no room, no, no.”
“But Sir, my wife, the baby is coming. Is there not just a corner of the hall or storeroom?”
“No nothing, we are all full.”
“Please Sir, I beg you, anything, any shelter.”
“Alright, use the barn then, use whatever, just leave me in peace.”
A look of gratitude and relief came to his face as he turned away quickly to attend to someone more important than I. I didn’t know then just how important. How could I have been so selfish, so blinded by my needs, that I actually sent a woman in labor to my barn while I lay in a soft warm bed. The children could have doubled up. She could have had our bed. I can’t even imagine my Lillian laboring in a stable and the children being born in the hay and muck. How terrible for her and how sick at heart I am for allowing it. Selfish, selfish, Oh God, help me! Why is it always all about me?
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What would you have done if you had been the Inn Keeper in Bethlehem? Would you have given up your bed for a stranger? It is so easy to look back now when we know the end of the story and question his choices but how would you have done it differently?
Though the Inn Keeper did what he thought was best on that night so many years ago, could there be a lesson in this for us. Our Lord tells us in His Word to love one another, take care of one another, and treat each other as we would want to be treated. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:2 (NIV),
“2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing”
How many times do we pass up an opportunity to serve others because is it inconvenient or we are absorbed in ourselves? How many times have we made the choice that addresses our needs and overlooked the needs of others? Just like the Inn Keeper, we cannot change the past, but the future may still hold wonderful opportunities to make a difference. Whether is it in the area of helping out financially, giving of our time and talents, or simply being kind to a person who crosses our path, treating others with the love and kindness with which we would want to be treated will make our world a better place for all. During this holiday season why not look for opportunities to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Whether it is something that will help many or just one, God will bring a blessing through our love.
Think about this encouragement that our Father God has given us in His Word.
Luke 6:31 (NIV)
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Gal 5:14 (NIV)
14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.
Phil 2:3–4 (NIV)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Listen to these two beautiful songs about sharing the light of God’s love to bless others and light the world.
Matt 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Light Your World — by Newsong
Go Light Your World — by Kathy Troccoli