Abiding December 18, 2016
Luke 2:1-20 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 round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord . . . 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger . . . 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
This is revealing to us the exact place you want to be when the Lord comes.
Where is that place? Abiding; in the field – out from among the camp. That’s where the Lord will bring you the gospel of great joy.
Luke 2:10 . . . good tidings of great joy to all people.
Colossians 1:23 . . . the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
It’s preached to all, but what makes the difference is what will you do with the gospel after you hear it. When the gospel is made known to you, what is your reaction? Will we be like the lowly shepherds? Knowledge puffs up but love edifies. God is love. When you hear the word of God, make a move. Go now, don’t delay.
The shepherds went to Bethlehem = “the house of bread”. This is where we hear the gospel. We feast upon His word.
Luke 2:16 And they came with haste
Haste means to go now with passion, like David, a man after God’s own heart, panting and having a desire for truth. When we go with this passion and desire, we see His appearing. The gospel of great joy is they got to see baby Jesus. Our gospel of great joy and full of glory is we get to see our Bridegroom. Not in a manger but in a meeting in the air!
Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Evidence of divine love is they went away praising God for all things.
The evidence of faith is a thankful heart.
As it was told them – it’s always the word. Man wants to see things, but it’s by faith.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Are you thanking and praising and glorifying God? Christians in love with Jesus are different; they are the happiest, most joyful people. Paul was in a horrible prison, he had lost all things, betrayed, but there was a joy in the Lord. Praise God for this glorious gospel we have. First love changes everything! How could we not want this rest, joy, and peace? Get your heart’s affection set on things above. Life will become so rich. The high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Be confident in God, He will do it.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Quit thinking about how you got here. Just be glad you’re here, hearing this gospel. It’s His willingness, His joy that gets us in the house of bread. Do you want to hear the word of God? The glorious gospel which is joy unspeakable and full of glory!
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