December 7: STOP "PICKING AND CHOOSING"

Then the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

All people! The life of Jesus in our world is so beautifully documented for us. He came humbly and quietly on a mission: to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10); to restore in us the image of our Maker. We do not know how far from that image we have fallen. He came to share our temptations and sorrows, giving us the example of a sinless life in a world tainted by the bitterest of enemies. The love of God knows no limits…

The angelic announcement to the shepherds as they were out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night (v.8) tells us that the local temperature in the area of Bethlehem was ambient; a clue that Jesus was born in early autumn. It is an understatement to say that the glory of one single angel was intense! His opening words, “Do not be afraid” were necessary before he could deliver the news of the Savior’s birth.

The shepherds, lowly and despised, were simply caring for their sheep when the magnificent heavenly messenger arrived. How precious that they were chosen to hear the news of the divine birth first! Their job is rich with symbolism of the Savior’s activities on our behalf. They joyfully received the glad tidings.

Do I, as a professed follower of Christ, truly receive all that He says in His Word? Am I receptive on some points, but closed to others? I may as well be totally deaf to Him (see James 2:10, Hosea 4:6). He desires to bring me into full understanding on every point He has laid out in His word. The sooner I decide to stop “picking and choosing” the better!

The receptive attitude of the shepherds was undoubtedly sensed by the multitude of the other angels present—as yet unseen; otherwise they would not have suddenly revealed themselves all at once! If the sight of one angel terrifies humans (see Matthew 28:4), the glory of a multitude might cause instant death to the unreceptive! The deep interest and fascination in the salvation of fallen humans held by God’s ministers of mercy was evident as they burst into exquisite song:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” v.14

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:10-12