Title – Interruptions
 
Reading Mathew 1:18 – 2:23

Introduction ~ W
e live in such a hurried pace today. Especially with Christmas time and all the shopping madness in the world that takes place. Interruptions in a hurried pace  are not usually welcome. In the Bible we find the true account of interruptions associated with the first Christmas. Let’s look at them
 
I.The interruption of a New Baby.
 
It was not in Mary’s plan to bring forth God’s Son Matthew 1:18 “..she was found with child”
 
This was an unplanned pregnancy and major interruption. Can you think of a better interruption in history? God incarnate interrupting your life should be a welcome interruption in deed.
 
II. Joseph’s life was also  interrupted with  what looked like Mary’s infidelity. 1:19 “..Was minded to put her away..”
 
To Joseph this was a huge interruption. Mary was looked at by others as an unfaithful bride even after God showed Joseph otherwise. Joseph was probably  accused with Jesus being called illegitimate due to the virgin birth. “Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication”  John. 8:41
 
III. The interruption of an unanticipated previous relationship. Yet for Mary it was that she lived close in faithfulness to God not unfaithful to Joseph. 1:20 “the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream..”
 
We see though God allows interruptions He does give us consolation when He allows for them. 
 
As with Mary and Joseph, God’s stops and steps may cause interruptions in our lives. But, they are always the way for maximum fruit bearing in our lives. 1:21  “..She shall bring forth a son..”
 
III. Though God’s interruptions come as a surprise to us they are not a surprise to God. 1:22,23
 
   “…spoken of the Lord by the prophets ..”
 
All of these interruptions was preplanned and prophesied by God. God knows exactly what He is doing in allowing for interruptions in our lives. Joseph’s new occurrences were of no surprise to God and no difficulty for God to deal with.
It was no difficulty for creator God to allow a woman with out a man to produce a child.
 
IV. Notice Joseph was willing to allow for this huge interruption.
Also, Mary was willing to wait till after the birth of her first child to have her  honeymoon 1:25
“..he knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son..”
 
V. Jesus was not just an interruption to Joseph and Mary but He was an interruption to the whole world.
Every person Jesus touches is changed. Everything thing Jesus touches is also changed. He changed water into wine.He can change you too.
 
2 Corinthians 5:17    “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new..”
 
 
                                                           Part 2 ~ Matthew Ch. 2
 
More to consider concerning the interruptions of Jesus birth.
 
VI. Herod had the arrival of a rival king to interrupt his life. 2:1
 
VII. The wise man had a journey to take because of him. 2:2
 
VIII. Jerusalem was  troubled at His presence. 2:3-5  This was probably because of complacency and sin.
 
IX. Then we see the interruption of the natural world. 2:2,7,8,10
     The  “star” interrupted the darkness with this invasion from another world.
    
     See also the angels and the shepherds and so many, more interruptions because of Jesus.
     Even the animals probably were displaced from the manger stable. 
 
Next because of Jesus, Mary was interrupted with unexpected company of the wise men.
We would be wise to allow for these kinds of interruptions. Every Saved person today as the wise man has a gift to share. That is, if we would allow them to interrupt our so called schedule to share with us. It is said that the gifts of the wise men financed poor Mary and Joseph’s  flight to Egypt. Many a pastors and Evangelist could share many gifts and blessings but I am afraid few are allowing for their interruptions to us these days.
 
Heb chapter 13 tells us to host these kind of appointment makers and breakers.
 
Heb 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
 
Salvation comes as an interruption to most people. Do you remember before you were saved? Has your schedule been changed because of the Lord in your life now?
 
X. For Joseph and Mary and the wise men this interruption meant that their lives were now placed in danger.
   Joseph was on the top most wanted list for Herod. So also were  the wise men. 2:13-15
 
   2:13 “…for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
 
   God’s interruptions can alter the whole course of our lives. And not only that but those we   are
   associate with.   2:16 “Herod…slew all the children that were in Bethlehem.”
 
No matter how you look at it, Jesus Christ can not be overlooked,His invasion to the planet alters the course of things. John 3:16
 
Lost people also must recon with the invasion of Christ to their community. See 2:19  “Herod” died. and other God haters died as well. See 2:20  “…they are dead which sought the young child’s life.”
 
XI. We see all of God’s interruptions do not always lead to danger and trouble
.For Mary and Joseph,( in these verses) the interruptions were designed by God for their safety. See 2:20-23
 
Closing
 
The Bible teaches that Jesus is again coming to alter the course of things. For us this one will be for our safety but I can not say that for the rest of the world? How about you. Is Jesus scheduled in. I suggest you leave some time for interruptions. They will come whether we plan for them or not.