Greetings!
The Scripture says that in His incarnation the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8) “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and [was] made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:7). All the adjectives and exclamations in language could never say enough about that reality. Yet, paradoxically, history’s most notable birth happened under the most obscure, nondescript, humble circumstances imaginable—Jesus was born in the place where the animals of those staying in a public shelter were kept. No one in the sleepy little village of Bethlehem realized the significance of what had happened, except, to a certain degree, the Child’s parents. But that was about to change; the silence regarding the Savior’s birth would be broken in a most supernaturally dramatic way.
I pray you will be challenged, convicted, encouraged, and blessed by today's devotional to the glory of God.
FOR TODAY, UNTO YOU IS BORN A SAVIOR
Part 3
The announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ heralds the greatest good news that the world has ever heard. From the narrative of that announcement and its aftermath, five truths about the good news emerge: (1) the proclamation of the good news, (2) the pervasiveness of the good news, (3) the person of the good news, (4) the purpose of the good news, and (5) the picture of the good news.
THE PERVASIVENESS OF THE GOOD NEWS
Luke 2:10b (NASB)
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
The good news the angel proclaimed is "for all the people." Laos ("people") refers first to Israel (Luke 1:68; 7:16; 19:47; 21:23; 22:66; 23:5, 14), since “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22; cf. Rom. 1:16). But the promise of salvation is not for them only. Praising God after seeing the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon said,
- Luke 2:30-32 (NASB)
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For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
Significantly, laos in Luke 2: is plural, while it is singular in Luke 2:32. Simeon’s words reflect the truth expressed in Isaiah’s prophecy:
- Isaiah 60:1-3 (NASB)
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"Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.2 "For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. 3 "Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. (cf. Isa. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6-9; 51:4)
The good news of salvation, having been proclaimed first to Israel, is now proclaimed throughout the world.
- Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)
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"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for the good news of the gospel,
that You sent Your beloved Son,
the Savior of the world,
to redeem sinners.
Thank You Father,
For Your good news that produces great inexpressible and full joy
in us, joy that is reserved for those of us whose past, present,
and future sins have been forgiven, through our
believing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
the Savior of the world.
Amen.
Proverbs 22:19 (NASB)
So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you.
Amen.
