(NIV) Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
The small phrase “with the breastplate of righteousness in place” is one of those phrases in the scriptures that is packed with significance for God’s people. A breastplate is the piece of a warrior’s armor that protects the very life blood and heart of the soldier. A breastplate had to be made from the strongest metal to deflect any direct attack from the enemy that got past the shield that the warrior held out in battle. It was the final piece of protection, and the very reliable against the swords and blows being taken against the soldier.
God in his everlasting wisdom, made the breastplate for our earthly armor and protection out of the strength of his everlasting love for us…. Our righteousness purchased with the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. You see, for us to stand forgiven and holy before God one day, our sins had to be paid for, and we had to receive his gift of salvation. That is why he offered us the breastplate of righteousness…. It serves as a secure protector of our very standing before the Lord, and the most important part of ourselves that God wants to protect….. Our heart.
The greatest thing about the breastplate of righteousness, is that we receive it when we give our lives to Christ (John 3:16, John 1:12), it becomes a part of our eternal dressing. The key for us to wear it means for us to fully know that what Christ did on the cross in our behalf was completely sufficient for us to one day stand fully forgiven, and fully righteous before a Holy and Loving God. Our sin will be no more because of this..
To fully enjoy our walk with God, our heavenly father, we must be equipped with the knowledge of this to endure the emotional and spiritual battles we face every day that would bring us down.
Things like failure, ridicule, harassment, embarrassment, humiliation, have no bearing on what Christ accomplished for us on that cross. He gave us righteous standing before the Creator. That is where we must stand. Confidence, not in my human capabilities, or my creativity, or steadiness…. But in Christ alone. The thought of this drives out both arrogance, and insecurity. Neither can dwell in the full awareness of what we have been afforded in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross…. Complete righteousness for all eternity…. Freedom to enjoy our lives in harmony with our Lord and Savior.
May your week be filled with the knowledge that you are richly valued by God. And that your worth is beyond measure… and that all of this is sealed before God, by the sacrifice of his Son, so that you can stand righteous before him…. His Gift to you.
His Servant,
Jeff
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Armor of God - Christ is our belt of Truth !
(NIV) Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Settling for nothing less than fully equipped.
A new awareness and appreciation for the need of preparedness came into full view in America on September 11, 2001. As we all remember that fateful day when several airliners were hijacked and flown into American targets on American soil, resulting in thousands of deaths, and billions of dollars of loss. We fell victim to the scheming of evil men, whose plans were not revealed to us until it was too late in the suffering of the consequences. The attack prompted a whole new level of preparedness. Evidence is seen throughout our society. One only has to go to the airport, and be body scanned, patted down, interviewed, baggage checked, asked to move away from the front of the airport while waiting on a passenger, and the list goes on. Now preparedness matters because the consequences of not being prepared became very visible with consequences that were terrible. As Americans, the enemy was scheming to bring us down in ways we never suspected.
Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to completely equipped as well. The battle we face is against Satan’s scheme to destroy and kill, and bring down everything that points to God’s simple message of salvation and restoration to man. Simply put, Satan wants your hope and faith to be killed. He wants no one to truly know the power of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. And that battle is very real. One just has to look around to see the ravages of spiritual warfare in our country, neighborhoods, and families. Divorce rates, drug problems, sexual addictions, alcoholism, fear, insecurity, are but a few of the pictures we see of the war on our souls. There is, however a defense against these battles that is offered for everyone. It is a remedy that starts with the heart of man looking to his Creator for the help he needs. God offers his armor for everyone. With that armor we can stand and have victory in our lives. That is great news.
1. Knowing the enemy is paramount in a battle for the well being of our spiritual health and relationship to God. Paul states it so clearly that we do not battle against the people we meet, but rather our battle is against the powers of evil that exist in the spiritual realm. People are the object of God's redemptive work, and with all people God desires reconciliation to himself. That is why he sent Christ to die on the cross. John 3:16 - For God so Loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoseoever believes on him, will not perish, but have everlasting life" In our daily lives, recognizing the enemy can keep us out of trouble.
2. The first article of armor that we are offered is the belt of truth. Real victories are only possible on a foundation of truth. Truth is freedom. John 8:32 says “ You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” In any matter, the seeking out of the truth is the first step to liberty. This is true in all aspects of life.
In John 14:6 Jesus made a claim that said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
That was a bold claim of authority and knowledge. Jesus had died and risen from the grave, and was making a promise to the disciples, that he was going to prepare a place for him. They had seen him have power over the cross, and had risen from the dead. Our belt of truth to protect us from blows by the enemy is the fact that Jesus Christ is in both deed and word, the center point of spiritual truth. He made exclusive claim to that fact.
I hope that as you think about the battles you face this week, you gain courage from the fact that you are not alone in them. The armor of God, which is central around Jesus Christ our Lord, is able to protect you. Next week, we are going to examine the other articles of armor offered by God for our spiritual protection and well being.
May the God of Truth bless your week in every way.
His Servant,
Jeff
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Settling for nothing less than fully equipped.
A new awareness and appreciation for the need of preparedness came into full view in America on September 11, 2001. As we all remember that fateful day when several airliners were hijacked and flown into American targets on American soil, resulting in thousands of deaths, and billions of dollars of loss. We fell victim to the scheming of evil men, whose plans were not revealed to us until it was too late in the suffering of the consequences. The attack prompted a whole new level of preparedness. Evidence is seen throughout our society. One only has to go to the airport, and be body scanned, patted down, interviewed, baggage checked, asked to move away from the front of the airport while waiting on a passenger, and the list goes on. Now preparedness matters because the consequences of not being prepared became very visible with consequences that were terrible. As Americans, the enemy was scheming to bring us down in ways we never suspected.
Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to completely equipped as well. The battle we face is against Satan’s scheme to destroy and kill, and bring down everything that points to God’s simple message of salvation and restoration to man. Simply put, Satan wants your hope and faith to be killed. He wants no one to truly know the power of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. And that battle is very real. One just has to look around to see the ravages of spiritual warfare in our country, neighborhoods, and families. Divorce rates, drug problems, sexual addictions, alcoholism, fear, insecurity, are but a few of the pictures we see of the war on our souls. There is, however a defense against these battles that is offered for everyone. It is a remedy that starts with the heart of man looking to his Creator for the help he needs. God offers his armor for everyone. With that armor we can stand and have victory in our lives. That is great news.
1. Knowing the enemy is paramount in a battle for the well being of our spiritual health and relationship to God. Paul states it so clearly that we do not battle against the people we meet, but rather our battle is against the powers of evil that exist in the spiritual realm. People are the object of God's redemptive work, and with all people God desires reconciliation to himself. That is why he sent Christ to die on the cross. John 3:16 - For God so Loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoseoever believes on him, will not perish, but have everlasting life" In our daily lives, recognizing the enemy can keep us out of trouble.
2. The first article of armor that we are offered is the belt of truth. Real victories are only possible on a foundation of truth. Truth is freedom. John 8:32 says “ You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” In any matter, the seeking out of the truth is the first step to liberty. This is true in all aspects of life.
In John 14:6 Jesus made a claim that said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
That was a bold claim of authority and knowledge. Jesus had died and risen from the grave, and was making a promise to the disciples, that he was going to prepare a place for him. They had seen him have power over the cross, and had risen from the dead. Our belt of truth to protect us from blows by the enemy is the fact that Jesus Christ is in both deed and word, the center point of spiritual truth. He made exclusive claim to that fact.
I hope that as you think about the battles you face this week, you gain courage from the fact that you are not alone in them. The armor of God, which is central around Jesus Christ our Lord, is able to protect you. Next week, we are going to examine the other articles of armor offered by God for our spiritual protection and well being.
May the God of Truth bless your week in every way.
His Servant,
Jeff
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The armor of God - Equipped for a life that matters
The armor of God - Equipped for a life that matters
Ever since the beginning of created man, there has been the struggle of good and evil in our world, our circles of relationships, and
within ourselves. God in his great wisdom, desires us to choose an
everlasting relationship with Him through Jesus Christ his son. The strength we gain by being actively engaged in this relationship gives us the foundation to live victoriously day to day. Over the next several writings, I invite you to examine the following passage from :
(NIV) Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
As if commanding a troop of soldiers not to lose hope and to be prepared for the battle ahead , Paul says
" Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. "
He, like a good leader, wanted his people to be prepared for the realities that lay ahead. He knew the most important resource that anyone could need was found in a close personal relationship with the great Creator. Without that knowledge of where there power came from, that the battles would spiritually take them under.
Jesus was given all authority in heaven and earth and it is that source of power he wants us to be equipped in before we face life victoriously. This is done with the armor of God !
A thought for the week....
You matter enough for God to offer to empower you with His strength for each day. Take him up on that offer each day. !!
His Servant,
Jeff
Ever since the beginning of created man, there has been the struggle of good and evil in our world, our circles of relationships, and
within ourselves. God in his great wisdom, desires us to choose an
everlasting relationship with Him through Jesus Christ his son. The strength we gain by being actively engaged in this relationship gives us the foundation to live victoriously day to day. Over the next several writings, I invite you to examine the following passage from :
(NIV) Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
As if commanding a troop of soldiers not to lose hope and to be prepared for the battle ahead , Paul says
" Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. "
He, like a good leader, wanted his people to be prepared for the realities that lay ahead. He knew the most important resource that anyone could need was found in a close personal relationship with the great Creator. Without that knowledge of where there power came from, that the battles would spiritually take them under.
Jesus was given all authority in heaven and earth and it is that source of power he wants us to be equipped in before we face life victoriously. This is done with the armor of God !
A thought for the week....
You matter enough for God to offer to empower you with His strength for each day. Take him up on that offer each day. !!
His Servant,
Jeff
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God !
You are too big for me to understand
But I am invited to know you
You are too Holy for me to set eyes on
Yet you want me to seek you
You are too majestic for me to fathom
Yet you humbled yourself to poverty for me
You are from everlasting to everlasting
Yet you hear my fleeting concerns
You alone God are worthy of all praise
Yet you were scourged by a crown of thorns for my salvation.
You are the creator of everything we know Yet you call me friend and in fact your child !
There is coming a day when every knee will bend and every tongue confess that you are Lord .
Yet you wait patiently to hear me volunteer my praise today!
You are amazing God
But I am invited to know you
You are too Holy for me to set eyes on
Yet you want me to seek you
You are too majestic for me to fathom
Yet you humbled yourself to poverty for me
You are from everlasting to everlasting
Yet you hear my fleeting concerns
You alone God are worthy of all praise
Yet you were scourged by a crown of thorns for my salvation.
You are the creator of everything we know Yet you call me friend and in fact your child !
There is coming a day when every knee will bend and every tongue confess that you are Lord .
Yet you wait patiently to hear me volunteer my praise today!
You are amazing God
Monday, January 18, 2010
Imagine .......
Imagine .....
Sometimes in the middle of life's busy highway it is good to pause and ponder what it will look like when we get to our final destination. What will we see when we really do see Jesus face to face. What will we feel. How will we react ? A favorite verse of mine in John is one where we are encouraged to think of that day that is coming.
I can just see the glimmer in Jesus eyes after having defeated sin and death for you saying... Just wait and see what I have for you. My task now is to go and spend my Time preparing a special place for when I bring you to meet me. He knows well the challenges we will face on our journey, but with the joy of eternal restoration, commanded us not to grow discouraged but just keep trusting in God and in Christ his only Son.
(NIV) John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [4] You know the way to the place where I am going."
So in keeping with taking a journey I pause to imagine my destination of meeting my savior face to face, I offer these thoughts and images of that day.
Will the joy I felt the day I found you as my savior at Clydehurst undeneath a large pine tree by the snack shack be as fresh as that day ?
Will the I feel the joy you take in my salvation ?
Will I have words to express the many thanks I have for seeing your hand in my life over and over ?
Will I truly see the enormity of your sacrifice for me when I see you in all the splendor, majesty, and power you left to redeem me?
Will I weep for the nail scars in your hands and feet on my behalf and for my sin?
Will I see the places in my life I allowed my stubbornness to miss your voice ?
Will I see those you used in my life to steer me to you ?
Will I see the gifts you truly planted in my heart ?
Will I understand your grace toward me ?
Can we walk along heaven and speak openly ?
Will I laugh outloud at the comedies in life you allowed ?
Will all my pretenses drop in humility ?
Are the streets really made of pure gold ?
There is a great worship song called "I can only imagine" sung by the group Mercy Me that grabbed my attention this week. It describes the emotion of the experience of meeting Jesus face to face.
I Can Only Imagine.
I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side.
I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine .....
Surrounded by your glory what will my heart feel !
Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still...
Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall...
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all !
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine ... When that day comes and I find myself standing in the SON.
I can only imagine ...
When all I would do is forever .. Forever worship you.
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine...
Take some time to imagine that day and may it lift your spirit and direct your path this week !!
His servant,
Jeff
(NIV) Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Sometimes in the middle of life's busy highway it is good to pause and ponder what it will look like when we get to our final destination. What will we see when we really do see Jesus face to face. What will we feel. How will we react ? A favorite verse of mine in John is one where we are encouraged to think of that day that is coming.
I can just see the glimmer in Jesus eyes after having defeated sin and death for you saying... Just wait and see what I have for you. My task now is to go and spend my Time preparing a special place for when I bring you to meet me. He knows well the challenges we will face on our journey, but with the joy of eternal restoration, commanded us not to grow discouraged but just keep trusting in God and in Christ his only Son.
(NIV) John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [4] You know the way to the place where I am going."
So in keeping with taking a journey I pause to imagine my destination of meeting my savior face to face, I offer these thoughts and images of that day.
Will the joy I felt the day I found you as my savior at Clydehurst undeneath a large pine tree by the snack shack be as fresh as that day ?
Will the I feel the joy you take in my salvation ?
Will I have words to express the many thanks I have for seeing your hand in my life over and over ?
Will I truly see the enormity of your sacrifice for me when I see you in all the splendor, majesty, and power you left to redeem me?
Will I weep for the nail scars in your hands and feet on my behalf and for my sin?
Will I see the places in my life I allowed my stubbornness to miss your voice ?
Will I see those you used in my life to steer me to you ?
Will I see the gifts you truly planted in my heart ?
Will I understand your grace toward me ?
Can we walk along heaven and speak openly ?
Will I laugh outloud at the comedies in life you allowed ?
Will all my pretenses drop in humility ?
Are the streets really made of pure gold ?
There is a great worship song called "I can only imagine" sung by the group Mercy Me that grabbed my attention this week. It describes the emotion of the experience of meeting Jesus face to face.
I Can Only Imagine.
I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side.
I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine .....
Surrounded by your glory what will my heart feel !
Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still...
Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall...
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all !
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine ... When that day comes and I find myself standing in the SON.
I can only imagine ...
When all I would do is forever .. Forever worship you.
I can only imagine ...
I can only imagine...
Take some time to imagine that day and may it lift your spirit and direct your path this week !!
His servant,
Jeff
(NIV) Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Reflections and Resolutions
The year has passed with its many resolutions,
The steps we took and deeds we planted
Are now the foundation of our reflections….
So the questions I must ask
I pray to God will shape my tasks
Did I see my neighbor with love ?
Did I hear your voice from above ?
Did I think about Your Word to Us ?
Did I revel in your mercy in the cross ?
Did my life move closer your Son ?
Did I demonstrate to others, You are the only one ?
Were the trials that came my way weathered with Grace ?
Were the Joys you gave, received with praise ?
Were the prayers I prayed, lifted in humility ?
Did I serve you each day to the best of my ability ?
Were the weak around me, given my words of kindness ?
Did I slow down enough to enlighten blindness ?
Were the struggles of those you entrusted to me,
Lightened and lifted with your love for them to see ?
Were the hopes and dreams you have planted
Supported with giving of the resources you granted ?
And so I start another year and consider my resolutions
I ask that you touch my heart with this year’s solutions.
To pursue first your kingdom here on earth
So that all those around me, will understand their worth
And to live each day before your throne
Until my work on earth is done.
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, my strength and redeemer.
Jeff
The steps we took and deeds we planted
Are now the foundation of our reflections….
So the questions I must ask
I pray to God will shape my tasks
Did I see my neighbor with love ?
Did I hear your voice from above ?
Did I think about Your Word to Us ?
Did I revel in your mercy in the cross ?
Did my life move closer your Son ?
Did I demonstrate to others, You are the only one ?
Were the trials that came my way weathered with Grace ?
Were the Joys you gave, received with praise ?
Were the prayers I prayed, lifted in humility ?
Did I serve you each day to the best of my ability ?
Were the weak around me, given my words of kindness ?
Did I slow down enough to enlighten blindness ?
Were the struggles of those you entrusted to me,
Lightened and lifted with your love for them to see ?
Were the hopes and dreams you have planted
Supported with giving of the resources you granted ?
And so I start another year and consider my resolutions
I ask that you touch my heart with this year’s solutions.
To pursue first your kingdom here on earth
So that all those around me, will understand their worth
And to live each day before your throne
Until my work on earth is done.
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, my strength and redeemer.
Jeff
Sunday, December 13, 2009
In The Shoes of a Shepherd
In The Shoes of a Shepherd
I really love thinking through the season at Christmas. It is a great time to think about family, friends, and home comings. It seems that even with all the hype and marketing that goes around Christmas; there is a place in the human soul that wants to be home for Christmas. It stems from our God given desire to be a part of something. To be someone that matters. To be loved and having someone to love.
Among my favorite stories is the story of the Shepherds in the fields, minding their business of tending to the sheep, when suddenly the sky lit up. Angelic hosts appeared to these everyday workers, in a quiet field, removed from the town where the event of Christ’s birth was happening. Luke states it like this :
Luke 2:8-19
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear.
(10) And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
(15) And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
I am always amazed by the fact that God chose to announce his birth in this manner on earth. He could have come to kings, queens, mayors, governors, and people of great authority in government. He could have come to the great businessmen of the day, but He didn’t. He chose a quiet field on the edge of town, where the common sheep herder was making a meager living, and keeping watch. Sheep herding was a very humble job, without much glory or pay. These men probably understood the struggles of life very well. Sleeping outside, staying with the sheep, isolation, possible loneliness. And now, suddenly, without warning, the Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them. Can you imagine the fear and concern that they had? The surprise of it all, let alone the fact that the night was as day, and a heavenly host of angels came out of nowhere to tell them something. WOW. What a night. The first thing the angel of the Lord did was to calm their fear. He told them it was good news. God was offering peace on earth, and good will toward men.
Have you ever sat and thought about this story and tried to put yourself in the shoes of the shepherd ? In one night, they went from obscure to being in the very presence of the Glory of God, by the angels that God sent to them. In that moment, they became the avenue that God Almighty chose to reveal his coming to earth. Talk about a place in history! I bet they looked around at the other shepherds to see if they were seeing the same thing that they were. If I were in their shoes, I would have thought I was nuts for a moment. When it started to sink in that they were being approached by the Angel of the Lord, and they saw the Radiant Light that shone around them in the middle of the night, the Bible says that they were frightened. I think that is an understatement. With that kind of presence, you would have nowhere to turn if it were bad news!
But the Everlasting God had a message of hope to give his creation that had been lost to the ravages of sin for millenniums.
The news was simple… The message was clear…. The joy was overwhelming and obvious….
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I sent my son… He is in Bethlehem… He is Christ the Lord… (Sent from Heaven). You will find him to worship if you go into town and look for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (nothing fancy) and lying in a manger. And then the angels could not keep in their praise. Glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I bet any notion that those shepherds felt unimportant vanished forever that night. That moment was life changing. To be the focal point of that announcement forever changed their sense of importance. And the content of the message was so great, that it forever changed the outlook and hope of mankind. A savior, Christ the Lord… My very son…. My greatest treasure… sent to you, for you, to redeem you, and restore you to a relationship with God Almighty. !!! There was no questions left in their mind as to whether there was a God or not. No question of his authority, or agenda either. Any scholar could ask a shepherd what he thought about Christ, and the shepherd’s theology was spot on.
I believe God sent the message in that manner, because all of us find ourselves in the “Shoes of a Shepherd ” at various junctures of our lives. At times we feel lonely, isolated, not respected, feet dirty, lousy job, long days at work… or unfortunate circumstances. But in the middle of it all, God was coming to all of us that night, saying “Do Not Be Afraid”. “I Bring You Good News”. I want you to have great joy…. I want their to be complete reconciliation between us…. Go and see what I sent… Worship him, adore him, but most of all receive him as your Savior…. I sent him from heaven…
God’s Peace to You,
Jeff Dyk
I really love thinking through the season at Christmas. It is a great time to think about family, friends, and home comings. It seems that even with all the hype and marketing that goes around Christmas; there is a place in the human soul that wants to be home for Christmas. It stems from our God given desire to be a part of something. To be someone that matters. To be loved and having someone to love.
Among my favorite stories is the story of the Shepherds in the fields, minding their business of tending to the sheep, when suddenly the sky lit up. Angelic hosts appeared to these everyday workers, in a quiet field, removed from the town where the event of Christ’s birth was happening. Luke states it like this :
Luke 2:8-19
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear.
(10) And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
(15) And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
I am always amazed by the fact that God chose to announce his birth in this manner on earth. He could have come to kings, queens, mayors, governors, and people of great authority in government. He could have come to the great businessmen of the day, but He didn’t. He chose a quiet field on the edge of town, where the common sheep herder was making a meager living, and keeping watch. Sheep herding was a very humble job, without much glory or pay. These men probably understood the struggles of life very well. Sleeping outside, staying with the sheep, isolation, possible loneliness. And now, suddenly, without warning, the Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them. Can you imagine the fear and concern that they had? The surprise of it all, let alone the fact that the night was as day, and a heavenly host of angels came out of nowhere to tell them something. WOW. What a night. The first thing the angel of the Lord did was to calm their fear. He told them it was good news. God was offering peace on earth, and good will toward men.
Have you ever sat and thought about this story and tried to put yourself in the shoes of the shepherd ? In one night, they went from obscure to being in the very presence of the Glory of God, by the angels that God sent to them. In that moment, they became the avenue that God Almighty chose to reveal his coming to earth. Talk about a place in history! I bet they looked around at the other shepherds to see if they were seeing the same thing that they were. If I were in their shoes, I would have thought I was nuts for a moment. When it started to sink in that they were being approached by the Angel of the Lord, and they saw the Radiant Light that shone around them in the middle of the night, the Bible says that they were frightened. I think that is an understatement. With that kind of presence, you would have nowhere to turn if it were bad news!
But the Everlasting God had a message of hope to give his creation that had been lost to the ravages of sin for millenniums.
The news was simple… The message was clear…. The joy was overwhelming and obvious….
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I sent my son… He is in Bethlehem… He is Christ the Lord… (Sent from Heaven). You will find him to worship if you go into town and look for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (nothing fancy) and lying in a manger. And then the angels could not keep in their praise. Glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I bet any notion that those shepherds felt unimportant vanished forever that night. That moment was life changing. To be the focal point of that announcement forever changed their sense of importance. And the content of the message was so great, that it forever changed the outlook and hope of mankind. A savior, Christ the Lord… My very son…. My greatest treasure… sent to you, for you, to redeem you, and restore you to a relationship with God Almighty. !!! There was no questions left in their mind as to whether there was a God or not. No question of his authority, or agenda either. Any scholar could ask a shepherd what he thought about Christ, and the shepherd’s theology was spot on.
I believe God sent the message in that manner, because all of us find ourselves in the “Shoes of a Shepherd ” at various junctures of our lives. At times we feel lonely, isolated, not respected, feet dirty, lousy job, long days at work… or unfortunate circumstances. But in the middle of it all, God was coming to all of us that night, saying “Do Not Be Afraid”. “I Bring You Good News”. I want you to have great joy…. I want their to be complete reconciliation between us…. Go and see what I sent… Worship him, adore him, but most of all receive him as your Savior…. I sent him from heaven…
God’s Peace to You,
Jeff Dyk
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