Dave’s Monday Blast – December 28, 2015

Well the Christmas of 2015 is past but I could not quite set it aside without this little “gem” of a thought…you and I must purpose to be like the donkey as we head into this new year! Donkey’s were domesticated 2,000 years before Christ. Abraham (Genesis 22:3) and various Judges (Judges 10:4; 12:13) rode them. God once spoke through a donkey (Numbers 22:28). Job had 500 female donkeys (Job 1:3).

Mary likely rode a donkey 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Jesus rode one into Jerusalem 33 years later (Matthew 21:7-9) just as the prophet (Zechariah 9:9) predicted. While military generals always seemed to ride powerful white stallions into the cities they conquered…men of peace always rode lowly donkeys.

Though I strive daily to be a “Man of Intention”, I cannot be Mary for obvious reasons. I cannot be Joseph since I have two children, and while they are wonderful, neither is the sinless Son of God. I cannot be the innkeeper…Jesus is already born. I cannot be a shepherd…I honestly don’t know the first thing about sheep. I cannot be a wise man (be kind…I know that is obvious as well) as I have never been to Persia nor studied the stars. I clearly cannot be one of the angels.

But…there is one character in the Christmas narrative I can be today and everyday: I can be the donkey. I can carry Christ to the world through my prayers, compassion and witness. In fact, there is no greater honor, for me or for you. This must be our INTENTIONAL daily commitment above all else as we move into a new year. Let this be our resolution.