A Private Miracle

Luke 2:6-7

While they were there (Bethlehem), the time came for her to give birth.  Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough – because there was no room for them at the inn.

The two greatest miracles that ever happened were the birth of Christ – the Son of God born to a virgin – and the resurrection of Christ. Both were completely supernatural, and both happened for our good and for God’s glory. The birth is recorded in these two verses, and we find only Joseph and Mary present when it happened. They were not in a palace, as would be appropriate for a divine king and the Son of God, but they were alone in a lowly stable because the inn was full. The miracle of the long awaited Messiah took place in private, where only those called to raise Him were present.

This seems so different from the birth of earthly future kings. The whole world watched and waited to see if the royal babies of England would be a boy or a girl, how much they would weigh, and what they would be named. Some even placed bets on the gender and time of their birth. The births were highly celebrated and publicized everywhere. Yet, this birth of an even greater king was very private. God often gives us our greatest victories in private before He acknowledges them in public.

God announced the birth of His Son to selected individuals – lowly Jewish shepherds and wealthy Gentile wise men. Jesus was given to both Jew and Gentile, rich and poor. All are to worship Him. He did not spread the word of this great miracle to everyone because everyone was not receptive to His purpose. Herod would have killed the baby to protect his throne.  The religious leaders would have scoffed and questioned Joseph’s and Mary’s integrity and morality. He often gives us private victories to protect His public interest. Indeed, if the Devil knew just what God is doing in our lives, he would certainly try to destroy it. 

Rejoice in the private victories God gives you. Don’t think your miracle will always come with great celebration or in public view. What God gives you in private, He will acknowledge in public before the proper individuals. He will protect his interest in you. Savor those moments alone with God when you know that you are hearing directly from Him. Your private miracle has great purpose, and He will use it for your benefit and His glory.

Have a blessed day!