The priests and rulers among the Jews were not ready to welcome Jesus. They knew that the Saviour was soon to come, but they expected Him to be a mighty king who would make them rich and great. They were too proud to think of the Messiah as being a helpless child.
So when Christ was born, God did not reveal it to them. He sent the glad news to some shepherds who kept their flocks on the hills around Bethlehem.
These were good men, and as they watched their sheep by night, they talked together about the promised Saviour, and prayed so earnestly for His coming that God sent bright messengers from His own throne of light to teach them.
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:9-19.
Today's Bible Verse...
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD."—1 Kings 22:5
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
This
verse is from the wonderful story of Micaiah the prophet. Jehoshaphat
knew not to trust the counsel of false prophets. He was adamant that
before they went into battle with anyone, God's people needed to first
seek the counsel of the Lord! This should also be our approach to life.
So often we ask God to bless what we've already decided rather than
spending time in prayer, fasting, and Scripture seeking our Father's
will. Let's not rush our decisions. God has promised that he would lead
us with his Spirit, let's not rush the Spirit's input, or even worse,
ignore it and then ask God to bless us anyway!
My Prayer...
Holy and Almighty God, ruler of all nations and Sovereign
over all creation, please guide my decisions as I seek your will and
your glory. I want my life, my family, my work, and my ministry to be
lived in your will. I want to be your servant and not seek my own way
and my own glory. Thank you for sending your Spirit to help illuminate
your Word and lead me and to equip and empower me to serve you. In Jesus
name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Noah Gets the Weather Report by Schneider
No comments:
Post a Comment