12/14/2020
When God reveals His glory, and handiwork, to us what do we do with that revelation? When Jesus appears to us and pours grace over our heads like a warm oil how do we deal with that experience? Do we keep such things to ourselves, or do we tell others, and perhaps the world? If an Angel comes to us in a pasture what is our response?
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.””
Luke 2:15 ESV
When we choose to tell others we are placing the the cloak of a missionary about us, and are beginning to do what Jesus commissioned us to accomplish by delivering the good news. Perhaps we tell all nations, or maybe just deliver the news on a local, or individual level, but are we faithful in delivering the message like the shepherds at the birth of Jesus.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
Matthew 28:18-19 ESV
Whether we are trying to decide if we should tell others about an amazing vision we have had, or a dream, a miracle of Christ, or a deliverance of some sort at the hand of God the Father Himself, we are told to declare His glory. So, do we sing out as we should?
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods.”
1 Chronicles 16:23-25 ESV
When the shepherds were told of the birth of Jesus by the Angel they did three specific things; first they discussed what they had seen and heard among themselves and decided to go to Bethlehem, second they saw it was true, and finally they told others about what they had experienced in the pasture. So in this way they discerned, they verified, and then they told the good news.
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.”
Luke 2:15-17 ESV
Sometimes we are afraid to share what we have been shown, or told, and keep these divine miracles and wonders to ourselves. We are afraid that others might think we are lying, crazy, or perhaps suffering from some form of deception, but if we go through the three steps that the shepherds did, and gain confidence that these things are truly divine n nature, we should tell others, because in this way we glorify God.
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16 ESV
Let’s mull a couple of questions over today... why was the role of the shepherds important enough to be documented in scripture, and what would have happened if they had not told what they had seen, and heard? Then let’s compare our answers with the importance of sharing our own divine experiences with others.
“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”
Luke 2:18 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for speaking to us from burning bushes, in dreams and visions, and for sending your Son Jesus to perform amazing miracles, and appear to us on the road to Emmaus, and in other wonderful ways. Thank you Holy Father for our discernment of your truth, and obedience in telling others as you have instructed us. Give us courage Lord to overcome our fear of rejection by those you have sent us to witness to. Help us to speak, and in so doing glorify your name. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is glorious indeed, and worthy of our continuous worship and praise. Mysterious are your ways, so lead us as we weigh them against the subtle lies of Satan, to insure ourselves that we are not falling victim to the dark one. Show us your truth Father in all you do, and give us the words to speak as we tell others of your works, and glory. You are great, and worthy of our adoration and worship. You are merciful, and kind in blessing us with your provision, protection, and forgiveness, but reveal yourself most of all in your love, and shower us with your grace, and goodness. So hear us as we pray, let us see you in our slumber, hear your word, and feel your touch during our days. Give us belief and faith enough to go out into the world and speak of your grandeur, omnipotence, and presence among us. We praise you Lord for all the things you do for us each day, and the relationship that you have fostered with us. Open our eyes to you, your Son Jesus, and your Holy Spirit, then continue to bless us with signs and wonders until that day when we kneel before you and give witness of your glory to all of heaven and earth.
“My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
Psalm 71:15-18 ESV
Rich Forbes