Daily Reading // Luke 2:1-7
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to threw times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
There was no room in the inn.
The inn we read about in the nativity is not like we might think about today. There were no Holiday Inns or Motel 6s in Israel at this time.
The word here for ‘inn’ could easily be translated as ‘guest room’ or ‘B & B’.
A couple of years ago our area witnessed a total solar eclipse. Due to our weather conditions we were a prime viewing place. For over a year people were making plans to come to cities near us to be here on the day of the eclipse. Hotels filled up with the travelers.
A number of my friends rented out their rooms and other spaces to those crowding into town. What was normally a private house became an inn. I imagine that’s very similar to the scene at Bethlehem.
Since this was Joseph’s ancestral home, he may have had family in the area and was planning to stay in their guest house, or ‘inn’.
The Greek word used here means to break on a journey. It means to relax, unwind, loosen your garments and shoestrings and rest for a while.
This particular word is used in only two other verses in scripture and both are referring to the same event. Jesus uses this word about the room where He would celebrate His last supper with the disciples. Where He would wash their feet, serve the Passover, and send Judas on his task of betrayal.
There was no room in the inn for those weary from their travels but there is room for all at Jesus’ table. Especially for those who are weary from the journey of life.
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, You were given no room but You continue to give room. I receive Your invitation for rest today. Amen.