Preparation for Life's Journeys

​Did you ever wonder about the preparation that Joseph and Mary would have had to make for their journey to Bethlehem? The book of Luke tells us why that had to make the trip. "In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world...and everyone went to his own town to register. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child." (Luke 2:1-5)
 
I read that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is about 90 miles on the route that follows the Jordan River valley and then climbs into the hills around Jerusalem. An average, healthy person might be able to travel about twenty miles a day; however, Mary's condition would surely have slowed the pace. The trip may have taken them an entire week. We should also consider that this arduous journey included rough terrain, the possibility of difficult weather, and attacks by wild animals or bandits.
 
Before Joseph and Mary left Nazareth that would have had to do much preparation. First, water would have to be collected and stored in wineskins for drinking. Also, food needed to be prepared, and firewood gathered for cooking and warmth. The food was probably simple and might include bread, herbs and oil, and dried fish. In addition, I would imagine that blankets were packed for bedding and to help keep the couple warm. Though we do not know for sure, I think we can speculate that a donkey may have carried Mary. That being the case, he would need food.
 
The preparations that Joseph and Mary made would enable them to successfully arrive at their destination. It was prophesied through the prophet Micah. "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2) Imagine how Mary must have felt as she prepared to go to Bethlehem (The House of Bread)! Her journey had a purpose, and her arrival would bring fulfillment of what Father God had planned before she was even born. I am sure that she and Joseph were in prayer for the entire journey.
 
God knew exact what this couple would need to fulfill His plans for their journey. We have another story in the Bible of Jesus telling His disciples to go on a trip to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons." Jesus went on to say to them, "Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts, take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or staff. For the worker is worth his keep." (Matthew 10:8-10) How do you think the disciples prepared for this journey? My guess is that they prepared on their knees, praying for God's wisdom and guidance for each step.
 
Our lives are made up of journeys with multiple destinations. May I suggest that our most important preparation is praying so that our faith is built up. It is faith in God that carries us to our destinations. Here is how Jude 1:20 puts it: "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." I am sure that Mary and Joseph needed to pack their faith along with their physical supplies just as the disciples did when they were sent out by Jesus. If we prepare for our life's journeys as they did, we will reach our destinations and fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.