Kataluma: The Guest Room

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2: 4-7

How many times have we sat in a church service, at Christmas time and heard the preacher say, “There was Mary riding a donkey, and it was night time, and every inn the went to was full. Finally, one of the inn keepers said, ‘I have a stable you can go there.’ Shutting the door on Joseph.” Something like that. You get my point. However, that’s NOT what happened. Let me share the real story, according to the Bible.

First, “.. while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.” Did you catch that? “They were there.” She wasn’t traveling in the middle of the night. She was already there for days. Her days were completed, meaning, the baby was now ready to be born. Joseph and Mary were not traveling while she was in labor. Logically, who is insensitive enough to put a pregnant woman on a donkey, and go traveling for days and nights? Women who have ever been in labor could never travel by car. Never mind on on top of a donkey for days. Labor isn’t for just a few minutes. It’s hours! You know how long that trip was? Anywhere from 4-7 days. That road was not an easy road. She sure was very pregnant but not in labor.

Secondly, “... because there was no room for them in the inn.” Mary and Joseph were NOT looking for hotel rooms (Inns). It was not the tradition of the people of Israel. Homes where opened to those who came to that town. Being Italian, I understand this. When family comes out of town, we will never allow it. They come to our home, or we go to theirs. My cousins who read my post will attest to this. We as kids gave up our rooms to our uncles and aunts. And kids shared their rooms, the older kids took over living rooms AND family room couches. In fact, we Italians have furnished attics and basements for, “when the family comes.” Oh those beautiful days of real joy and excitement hanging out for days celebrating Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and long weekends. My cousins and I were blessed to grow up in such a family with rich memories of the Christmas Celebrations. Nobody slept in the garage, and when the pregnant aunts or cousins came, they got the best bedroom in the house, fussing over them to be sure they were comfortable. You understand why this relative of Joseph would disgust me?

In this case, Joseph had family in Bethlehem. He was from the lineage of King David. The word inn is Kataluma in Greek. It means guest room. So, when Joseph and Mary got to the relative house, the guest rooms were given to his other relatives, None of them gave up their room for the pregnant Mary. The only place left was the stable, which people in those days had to keep their Cows, sheep, goats, and donkeys. In fact, we find the same word Kataluma used in two other places In the Bible. Luke 22:11 and Mark 14:14. So, we know for sure it does not mean Inn like hotel. It means guest room.

Better yet for me is the insensitively of the man and woman of that home. With what conscience could anyone allow a pregnant woman sleep in a stable, to give birth in there? Leaving Joseph to help deliver the baby alone. Was there no ladies in that home to help Mary deliver? We know there was nobody that was with them because of the shepherds who came and found just Joseph, Mary, and the baby.

I wonder! Did those family members, especially the man of that home know WHO was in Mary’s womb? Obviously, not! Did those relatives know, their Savior was there? Obviously, Not! Did they know that baby was the Savior of the world? Obviously, Not. I hate all these obviously, nots! Blindness and deafness is a terrible thing both physically, and especially spiritually. Please take good note of that. They missed it. Totally oblivious to the greatest birth ever to take place. Instead of being a part of it, they were fast asleep. Humm! Does that not describe some churches today? Asleep, totally missing it. The Christ, the Son of God was birthed and the entire family above them were asleep. Missed the star, missed the choir of angels, and missed the shepherds. Wow!

I wonder. How many guest rooms are there out there? In fact, let’s go there. How many “Inn keepers” just go to church but are blind and dead to the real truth of God’s Word? I wonder how many preach and teach but are completely blind and deaf to their own sins and deceptive teachings, not ever seeing the needs of the people around them. Ouch! I know I did go there, but the Word of God must pierce our hearts in order for us to see and hear His Word and not be hypocrites. Too many are. Let’s not miss it like the people in that home.

Today, let’s ask God to open our blind eyes to see truth, to open our deaf ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. Let’s NOT miss the star that leads us to great destinies. Let’s hear the glorious singing of those great men and women who have gone ahead of us, now cheering us on by the lives of faithfulness they have lived. Let’s be like the Shepherds and go fall on our knees and worship The Christ, The King, The Savior of the world.

Do you have Kataluma, in your heart for Him? Don’t just know of Him, but give Him a permanent place in your heart.

Rev. Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

Founder and President of Thread of Hope, Inc.

#hope #destiny #choices #Jesus #TopicArticle #worship #praise