Luke 2 - 9.2.25
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:9-10 "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
OBSERVATION: This chapter starts off with Joseph and Mary heading off to Joseph's home town of Bethlehem to register after Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken. Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born. There was no room in the inn, so baby Jesus was brought into this world in a filthy stinky stable! Jesus' birth was announced to the shepherds who were living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them! God's glory was revealed!
The Jews word for God's radiance was called Shekinah glory. Shekinah means to dwell or reside with. The good news of Jesus being born came first to the shepherds out in the fields. They were ordinary men, but God allowed them to see an extraordinary thing! The angel told them not to be afraid. He came to bring them the good news that will cause great joy for ALL people! After the angel left them, and had gone into heaven, the shepherds said, "Let's go!" They went to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had told them about. They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
The greatest event in history had just happened! Jesus Christ was born! When the shepherds had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about the child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
APPLICATION: Can you imagine what that day must have been like for those shepherds? It might be hard for us to comprehend, but...if you think about it, the universe and God's creation testifies and displays the glory of God to us EVERY DAY! The glory of God is the visible manifestation of His attributes and His character. The sun, the stars, the ocean, a spectacular eagle; they all display God's glory! (Billy Graham). Nothing can hide from God's glory. The dictionary definition of glory is praise and honor.
Just as the shepherds followed God's voice and responded to the Good News, we have all been called to do the same! And when we respond in obedience as the shepherds did, we will find out that His Word is FAITHFUL and TRUE!
Our only hope is for the God of glory to invade our lives and rescue us from our sins. That's why God sent His Son Jesus to earth, to die for ALL of our past, present and future sins. And, because of what Jesus did for us - our response should be to praise and thank Him, and give Him all the glory.
PRAYER: We all have the same calling; to know You and to make You known. I pray we will glorify You in all that we say and do. I pray we will align our prayers and desires with Your purpose. I pray we will bear much fruit from our lives that will glorify You. Please help us to glorify You in our bodies by remaining sexually pure. Help us to make lifestyle choices for the good of others that glorify You. I pray we will be generous with our finances in meeting the needs of others, and in sharing the Good New of Jesus Christ so that others may come to know You and experience Your glory for themselves. Amen
- Robin Orefice
