There is Good News!

 N.T.#483 "There is Good News!"

Feb. 10, 2025

Luke 2-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

After the angel gave the message of a Savior being born, and the particulars, what happened? A multitude of angels appeared, praising God.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (verse 13)

Matthew Henry explains the event this way:

• Let God have the honor of this work. He sent the Messiah, showing His kindness and love.
• Let men have the joy of it-peace on earth, good will to men. Peace is now between God and mankind through Jesus; peace between Jews and Gentiles; peace by a Mediator Christ.

With an extraordinary message on an ordinary night, with the testimonies of the angels, who could sit still? How could there be any doubt within the shepherds after such a specular occurrence?

Do we sometimes doubt God, after we have experienced a fantastic working of God in our life? I hope not. Sceptics do, though. 

What has God done in your life lately?

The other day, our son came and installed new light switches in the dining room for us. Little did we know, but my husband turned off the wrong breaker. He could have been awfully shocked, but God protected him, I believe. The event could have turned out horribly. Yet, he fixed them without a spark. Glory to God in the Highest!

LET IT GROW

Following the spectacular show of possibly hundreds of angels, the shepherds, they went to sleep. No! The said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath mad known unto us. (verse 15)

Can you hear the excitement? Nothing like this had happened for hundreds of years. (Kind of like when we have eclipses, folks get excited, but 10 times more.) God had made known the birth of The Messiah to lowly shepherds. You talk about a blessing on steroids!

They must have known where the stables, stalls for animals in Bethlehem was located. they immediately went to the place where Mary and Joseph and Jesus were. Sure enough, it was just as the angel had told them. Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths and in a manger of hay.

What a time they must have had. Don't you know the shepherds shared their angelic experience with the parents. 

And when they saw the Savior, they spread the Good News. (The Great commission in action.) They made the message and first-hand experience known abroad. Even in the marketplace, with their families, with strangers, at the Temple, the shepherds had a testimony to share.  

People wondered, which means to admire; marvel, at those things the shepherds told them.

Isn't the Good News of Jesus offering salvation to anyone a marvelous message? That it is only required we have faith in Him in order for us to be saved from the punishment of our sins. That Jesus would leave His home in heaven to come to earth, only to die. Yet He rose from the grave, victorious over death and sin! Shouting ground!

LET IT GO

How marvelous, how wonderful, is my Savior's love for me!

His love is everlasting, unchangeable.

Do you need to let go of something, dear one, so you can follow Jesus?

Glory to God in the Highest!

A Humble Baby in a Humble Birthplace"

 N.T.# 482"A Humble Baby in a Humble Birthplace"

Feb. 7, 2025

Luke 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

I recall my growing up days on the farm. My dad had a cow milking business. I would take my little juice -glassed size container to the barn  (as a preschooler) and dad would fill it up, directly from the cow, pure, warm milk. Mmm, that was so good. Yet, on my walk to the barn, I had to watch carefully where I stepped. Cows didn't care where they removed their waste and fresh cow piles could ruin  shoes. The smell in the barn was not pleasant there because of the same reason. Fond memories of my dad. Hopefully, I painted the scenery for Christ's birth so you could have a good idea of what it was like for Mary and Joseph in the animal barn.

Caesar Augustus was merely a tool in God's hand to bring to pass the prophecy of the Messiah/Savior being born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)  (McGee)

Dr. Luke goes into detail saying Mary wrapped Jesus, her son and the Son of God, in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger.(verse 7)  What a humble place for the King of kings to enter this world. It was not a palace, nor a first-rate hotel. All the guest rooms were filled up at that time. Everyone related to King David were in town to be counted in the census and pay their taxes. The King of creation, who could have zapped the manger into a luxurious surrounding, the One who deserved all honor and glory, humbly came as a human to be born in the humblest of circumstances. What a Savior! He brought hope to the lowly by being lowly.

Shall we take a closer look at the shepherds?

• Humble, lowly shepherds were the first to hear the Good News of The Savior being born. 
• An angel was sent by God (maybe Gabriel or Christophany-Christ Himself) to the rolling hills of Judea to Jewish shepherds taking care of sheep, protecting them from predators and thieves. They weren't sleeping in beds, weren't' priests in the Temple, but probably tent dwellers in the fields. 
• Although it was considered a lowly job, these guys were employed. (Moses and David were shepherds called by God to do His work.)
• Maybe it was a warm night under the stars, or maybe it was a cool night so the shepherds were around a campfire discussing things. I figure it was night time and the whole sky lite up. The angels knew where to find the right guys at the right time to give them an extraordinary message straight from God Himself. 
• The glory of the Lord lite up the sky, which made the guys sore afraid. I hear ya. (verse 9)

When the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit, we sit up and take notice, right? Or we fall on our face while in the presence of a Holy God. When the Word of God pierces our heart, it travels to our brain and we know it was God speaking to us through His Word. "Yes, Lord," is all we can mumble.

Friend, when was the last time you had a visit from God?

LET IT GROW

 

What was the angel's message?

• First of all, it was for the shepherds to fear not, for he brought good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (verse 10)  Jews and Gentiles would benefit. The guys were all eyes and ears by this time, maybe even frozen without moving.
• For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (verse 11) After 400 years of silence, God sent a Savior, the expected Messiah to the Jews. 
• How were the shepherds to know which baby was the Anointed One, the Lord, the Only Savir, the Expected One.
• They knew "who," but where did this take place? Bethlehem, the city of David.
• Which baby? The sign that The Messiah was the one special baby was finding Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.(verse 12) That was how the shepherds knew He was The One.
• What an unusual appearance for God's Son to make. He wasn't dressed in robes, lying in the best house in town, lying in state, with a numerous train of attendants in rich liveries. (Matthew Henry)
• Jesus was distinguishing all right-clothed with humility and love.

Oh, what a Savior! He is down-to-earth, able to connect with us ordinary people.  Do you seek to connect with Him? Take time out to walk and talk with Jesus. You won't regret it. He fills the inner soul with His love.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our self sufficiency. our pride, our expectations, and trust in You, Lord Jesus.

Emmanuel, God With Us, our Redeemer, make us into what You want us to be.

Keep us humbly serving You today. 

Little Towns Are Important

 N.T.#480 "Little Towns Are Important"

Feb. 6, 2025

Luke 2

LET IT GLOW

We like living in a small town. Growing up, its population was just a few hundred. Yet, everyone knew everyone. Now it has grown to a couple thousand and I hardly know anyone. (We have had a few doctors graduate from here, though.) Bethlehem was small in the New Testament days. However, an important event took place there. Do you know what happened there?

Probably most of us are familiar with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. 

Shall we take a look at what you already know about the events?

• Why did Mary and Joseph have to go to Bethlehem? It was the year of the census required by the Roman government.(verses 1-3)
• Couldn't they just sign up in Nazareth? No, for Joseph was a descendant of David, who was born in Bethlehem.(verse 4)
• Were Mary and Joseph married by this time? Yes. Verse 5 calls Mary Joseph's wife.
• How far was the trip? Around 90 miles, Swindoll says.
• Why was Jesus born in a manger? There was no room for them in the inn. (verse 7)
• Who were the first ones to hear about the Savior's birth? The shepherd in the field watching their sheep. (verse 8)
• Was it day or nightime? It was at night.
• Who made the announcement? An angel of the Lord did. (verse 9)

Did you know the answers? Do you have all the answers to your questions in life? God does.

LET IT GROW

Bethlehem means house of bread.

It sat  2,350 feet above sea level, surrounded by fertile farmland and grass-covered hillsides. Locals cultivated fig trees, olive groves, and vineyards, while vast flocks of sheep and goats grazed the surrounded valleys. Five to seven miles of rugged terrain separated Bethlehem from Jerusalem. (Swindoll)

Prophecy told where the Savior/Messiah would be born in Micah 5:2:

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will go forth from Me to be ruler in Israel.

His goings forth are from long ago,

From the days of eternity.  (NAS)

About 740 years before Christ was born a baby in Bethlehem, Micah foretold this miraculous event. What is sad now is that the Jews do no rule over Bethlehem, but the Muslims do. 

Years ago when we visited there, we had to go through an armed gate and get clearance to enter the town. We bought handmade souvenirs made by Christians there. It was their main support. Christians had a hard time finding a job in Bethlehem because of those ruling over it. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being faithful to carry out the plan for Your life, to be the Savior we need.

Such love that You took our punishment for our sins on the cross, when You had no sin.

How great and awesome is our God!

A Long Journey

N.T.#480 "A Long Journey"

Feb. 5, 2025 

Luke 2

LET IT GLOW 

Sometimes I don't even want to make a 20 minute trip to the grocery store, much less hours of travel time. However, when it comes to following Jesus, it is doable and exciting. Mary and Joseph had to prepare for their rough and long journey.

John was to be called a prophet of the Highest. He was to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. John knew that the Messiah was in their midst. John the Baptist was a very unusual person. He prepared to do a special task for God. (J.V.McGee) 

However, it is not recorded that John began his ministry until he was around 30 years of age, like Jesus did. Matthew 3 tells us more details about John's ministry and preaching. His region was west of the Dead Sea, an utterly barren desert. He was also in the area where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, where he baptized Jesus. John the Baptist's message was one of repentance. His preaching was preparing the way for the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, to preach salvation by faith.

Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior today?

LET IT GLOW

I like how John MacArthur gives us historical background. He tells us of the setting in the Roman Empire:

• Caius Octavius, grand-nephew, adopted son, and primary heir to Julius Caesar became Rome's first emperor. He was the supreme military power in the region. His title was Augustus. 
• Every 14 years the government took census of their people so the young men would register for military service. Also, it was to number each nation by family and tribe.
• The census was used to levy a poll tax, also. Therefore, the Jews had a distaste for the Roman oppression.  
• Augustus claimed to be deity and suggested he should be worshipped. He was, after all, the son of a god, so he thought. (Swindoll)  (verse 1)

Cyrenius was governor of Syria when this taxing was first made. All went into his own city to pay the taxes required by the Roman government. (verse 2)

The betrothed couple of Nazareth had to journey 90 miles south to Bethlehem. Luke left out the details about Joseph's intent to divorce Mary since she was pregnant. An angel came to him with the message from God to marry her. (Matt. 1) Here Mary was 9 months pregnant and had to travel with Joseph to Bethlehem because Joseph was a descendant of King David. (verses 3-4)

Joseph couldn't risk leaving Mary had home since delivery of the Messiah was so close. I wonder if the couple intended to stay with relatives at Bethlehem. I can't imagine what Mary went through on her journey. (By modern bus or car it would be less than a 2 hours ride.)

So there is the background for chapter 2. How is your journey with Jesus thus far? 

LET IT GO

What are some things you have had to let go of while journeying with Jesus? Sometimes is it material things, attitudes, selfishness, family, etc.

It is worth the sacrifice, seeing Jesus work in and through us.

What Will He Become?

N.T.#479"What Will He Become?"

Feb. 4, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 14

LET IT GLOW

When you children were little, did you wonder what they would become as adults? How would their personality be? What would they do for a living? Elisabeth probably wondered about John, too.

News traveled fast in the hill country. He must be a special baby to be born to the older couple, so miraculously. People wondered what the boy baby would turn out to be. They recognized that the Lord was upon John is a special way. Time would tell. 

Zacharias had been speechless and deaf for 9 months. He couldn't even share with the guys that the was going to have a son while their boys played in the yard. He couldn't share with his wife that Zacharias had been visited by an angel with such news. What an exciting time for this couple!

Zach couldn't hold it any longer (after his tongue was loosed and ears opened). He burst out in a praise song to his Lord. 

What are some of the details in Zach's song as he was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied?

• No less than 16 times Zacharias quoted the Old Testament in these 12 verses. (Falwell)
• As Mary gave thanks for a personal Savior, Zacharias praised God for sending Israel a national Redeemer. His hymn of praise showed Israel's benefits.  (verse 68)
• God raised up a horn of salvation through David. (Ps. 132:17) (verse 69) The horn was a symbol of strength. It was not John, but the One who is greater than John-Jesus.
• God spoke through His prophets of old, and now one was born. (verse 70)
• Israel would be saved from their enemies.  (verse 71)
• God had performed mercy (compassion) promised to their fathers and remembered His covenant with Abraham. (verses 72-73) (Genesis 22:16-18)
• When Israel was delivered out of the hands of their enemies, they could serve God without fear; with holiness and righteousness. (verses 74-75)              

Did you read the hope between the stanzas of Zacharias' song? He recognized who Mary was carrying and who John would grow up to be-used by God to bring salvation.

LET IT GROW

• Zacharias went on to sing about his son being called a prophet of the Highest. John's purpose was to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. (verse 76)(Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1, 4-5)
• John would give his people the knowledge of salvation by remission (departure) of their sins through God's tender mercy. (verse 77)
• The dayspring (a rising light) from on high hath visited Israel. (verse 78)
• Jesus would give Israel spiritual light and guide them to peace. (verse 79)

 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. (verse 80)

A young prophet grew like a wildflower in the wilderness, Issrael's hope must have blossomed as well. (Swindoll)

Remember that God keeps His promises while you go through difficult times. When relief comes, may we praise God for it. Share God's faithfulness with others.

LET IT GO

Yours is amazing grace, unfailing love.

Thank You Jesus for setting us free from the bondage of sin, our Redeemer.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, who conquered the grave! 

Praisse and glory to our God on high!

A Special Baby Broke the Silence

N.T.#479 " A Special Baby Broke the Silence"

Feb. 4, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 14 

LET IT GLOW

Do you remember the day your children were born? I will always remember those two special days for my husband and me. First came a baby girl and then a baby boy. The Lord had answered my prayers. We are so proud of the adults they have become, serving the Lord in their lives. Today, a special .baby is born which we will study 

Can you hear the special baby crying? Truly, silence was broken in what was once a very quiet home of Elisabeth and Zacharias, the older couple on the street. But what a blessing it was!

Zacharias had been silent for 9 months, while God had been silent for 400 years. He and wife Elisabeth waited for their special baby John to be born, a prophet from God speaking to the people of Israel. What a blessing. 

What were the special events surrounding John the Baptist's birth?

• Elisabeth had hid herself from the public for 5 months being pregnant. (verse 24)
• Zacharias had not heard nor spoken during the 9 months of his wife's pregnancy because of his doubting Gabriel's message and God's ability to give the couple a baby in their old age. (He should have known about the miracle of Isaac's birth to the old couple Abraham and Sarah.
• Elisabeth's neighbors and cousins heard how the Lord had been merciful to her, they rejoiced with her. (verse 38)
• On the eighth day, a baby boy was to be circumcised (Lev. 12:3) and named. (My thinking is they did this in the Temple, but not sure.) 
• The baby's name would be announced to the community of friends and family gathered for the baby dedication to witness its initiation into God's covenant with Abraham. (Gen. 17:10-11)
• All attending expected the baby to be named after its father Zacharias.
• However it was not so this time. Elisabeth had strict instructions to name him John, in obedience to the Lord's command.
• The family was surprised since no one was named John in their family. They expected Zacharias Jr. to be his name.
• Zacharias wrote on a tablet His name is John.  (verse 63)
• All marveled.

What things have happened to cause you to marvel at God's working?

LET IT GROW

Immediately Zacharias able to speak and name the baby John. What did he do? Zacharias praised God. It had been a long period of silence for the man. People spread the news of Zach's testimony throughout Judea. They wondered What manner of child shall this be!  (verse 66)

Also, they recognized that the hand of the Lord was with him. 

John's name means, God is gracious. 

Although Zacharias had lacked faith when Gabriel told him what was going to happen, he must have had great faith by the time the baby was born. At any rate, the father rejoiced in his God. in fact, he praised God in singing a solo.

Are we rejoicing and praising God whenever He answers our prayers?

God blessed a priest named Zacharias by answering his prayers. God had been gracious to His people by sending a prophet after 400 years of silence to Israel.

LET IT GO

Let go of doubt, insecurity, depression. 

With God nothing is impossible.

Thank You Father for our children. What a blessing they are!

Who is Jesus to You?

N. T. #478 "Who is Jesus to You?"

Feb. 3. 2025 

Luke 1-Part 13 

We left Mary singing her song of praise to the Lord God, her Savior. She was acknowledging God as Savior, the One who does great things, blesses, and is holy. Mary's heart and mind were saturated with the Word of God. She repeats Hannah's prayers, alludes to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. She recites the covenant promises of God. 

We continue in verse 50 where Mary declares God as being:

• merciful to those who fear Him, through the generations;
• He shows strength in His arm and scatters the proud in the imagination (deep thought) of their hearts. 
• He puts down the mighty and exalts the lowly;
• He fills the hungry with good things;
• and the rich God sends away empty;
• He has holpen (support) His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy;
• He spoke to Israel's forefathers and to His seed forever. 

Do you hear the religious training Mary had growing up? She knew who Almighty God is and all He had done for and with Israel. Yet, Mary was not sinless. She knew she needed a Savior. Mary chose to set aside her own dreams of a normal life to accept the complications of obedience. Mary bore the consequences of being misunderstood as she lived the life of the mother of Jesus. What a blessing, though.

Following Jesus is sometimes a hard walk of faith and obedience. Family may not understand you, friends may reject you, but God never leaves you.

LET IT GLOW

God kept His promise to Abraham in being merciful to His people forever. The birth of Jesus fulfilled the promise of a Messiah/Savior. Mary understood this. Maybe she was not surprised when her son announced that He was the Messiah. She knew Jesus' mission before His birth. (Life Application Study Bible)

Just think, Mary knew the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world before John the Baptist proclaimed it of Jesus. Love, compassion, and mercy compelled the Son of God to humble Himself and be born a human child. He lived a perfect life so He could be the sacrifice for our sins which God required in order to be in heaven and come before Him. 

Is Jesus your Savior, my friend? What about family members? Do they know who Jesus is and know Him personally as their Savior? Are you sharing Him?

Today is the memorial for another of my family members, a cousin. One by one we are leaving this earth to live eternally. One day I will be called home. Are you ready for death to come?

LET IT GO

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.