Guess Who’s in the Ghetto!

Matt. 2: 23 And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth

Ok, so God told Joseph that it was safe for him and Mary to leave Egypt and go back to Israel cause Ol Herod was dead and couldn’t hurt the little child Jesus anymore. And ok, so when they got back to Israel they discovered that the new king was Herod’s son, so they had to keep a low profile for the child’s safety. But Nazareth!!?? Why would they want to raise the Son of God in a dump like that?

Nazareth was nowhere; of no importance. It is not mentioned in the Bible before Jesus went to live there. And when they finally took notice of this little hillside back-a-bush town, what they had to say was not good. It was not just that the folks who lived there were poor, but it was a rough neighbourhood. It had people of bad attitude and deportment; rough, violent and immoral. Even Nathaneel, Jesus’ disciple, is known for asking the question: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

But in the ghetto Jesus thrived and prospered. Luke said that “the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him”. Although He was surrounded by harsh words and bad behaviour, He did not take His examples from the people around Him. He listened to His Godly parents, studied the scripture for Himself and chose to do what His heavenly Father wanted Him to do. He didn’t get stuck up and act like He was better than the people (although He was). He claimed the town as His own, doing what He could to build it up; mixing and mingling with the people. Still, He did not allow them to determine His behaviour. Instead, He set an example that even older ones could follow. He was a bright light in the darkness of Nazareth.

Today there are many young people who serve God under difficult circumstances. They are constantly bombarded by big boxes and dancehall music and can hardly find quiet moments to worship God. They are familiar with guns and drugs and the temptation towards sexual immorality. But, like Jesus, you can live decently, purely and be a shining example to all those around you. You see. Jesus still lives in the ghetto. In the form of the Holy Spirit, He is available to anyone who wants to live a decent Christian life. He will guide, protect and give strength to overcome. You can shine wherever you are.

Dear Lord, teach me how to resist the bad influence of the community around me, but to shine in my community as a true child of God, in Jesus name, amen.