Daily reflection _ God knew what He wanted

GOD KNEW WHAT HE WANTED
God made His saving power present in an Infant - Jesus - which appears to be folly in the eyes of the wise of this world.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
Today's first reading tells us about Jacob's vision that the tribe of Judah would rule over the other tribes. Jacob was right, the dynasty of David, a Judahite, lasted almost half a millennium. But Jacob would have been astounded at God's vision: a new and different King would arise from the tribe of Judah and the line of David - the family tree of God - and this King would be God Incarnate. Even the psalmist who painted a magnificent portrait of the King could not have imagined how true his image was: "Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace forever" (Ps 72:7).
God knew what He wanted. Yes, He chose the tribe of Judah, the Jews, and from within that tribe He selected the house of David. He insisted that through David and his descendants the scepter, the ruling power, would never depart from Judah. In an eminent degree the prophecy of today's Scriptures was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ, born of the house of David as the Messiah-King.
Not only did God know what He wanted, He also knew what He was doing. He was making it clear that He alone was our heavenly Father. He did not have to rely on mighty armies to conquer evil in the world. God made His saving power present in an Infant - Jesus - which appears to be folly in the eyes of the wise of this world. God chose to pour out His salvation upon all human-kind through His Son's blood on a Cross - an act which seems to be weakness in the eyes of the powerful. God did this because of His love for us! It didn't happen as a result of any human effort, but was simply given as a Gift!
As we reflect today on these Scripture readings, may we kindle again the wonder in our hearts at the loving, marvelous deeds of our God!