on April 5, 2012
Luke 2:16-20 – So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The HBS (Heaven’s Broadcast System) had reported the Good News of great joy in 3D real time to the Shepherds. They were so inspired by the announcement that they quickly followed up with their own investigation. True to the information, they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby – the only baby born in Bethlehem that night that was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger! The manner in which they had received the news of this baby’s birth had been amazing, yet, to find that the evidence precisely supported the message they had received was even more astounding! How could one keep quiet after witnessing such awe-inspiring events? The shepherds DIDN’T keep it to themselves, “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…” They had been TOLD that this child was “a Savior,” that he was “Christ the Lord,” that he was born in the town of David, and that they would find him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. These humble shepherds had the distinct privilege of being trusted to be the very first human witnesses and messengers of the Good News about Savior. They proved to be faithful to the trust as they spread the word – just like they had received it! (I think God knew they would be!)
Can you imagine how their testimony affected Mary when they told her how and why they had come to be at the manger? She had already had her own personal visit by the HBS, and now a few more witnesses had been clued in to God’s plan for her baby. Their report gave her even more information to support what she already knew about her son. No wonder that Luke records, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Such information requires just that, these are treasures of revelation that must be meditated upon and considered in the light of other information and truth in order to be more fully appreciated and understood. I suspect that Mark Lowry realized this in his inspired song:
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.
“And, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Thank God that His Word is trustworthy and will always be validated when we check it out.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Bonnie Bitetti (Samantha, Denny, Chris), Brandon & Sandy Burtner (Elijah), Jacquie Compagnoni.
Saturday:
- If you have investigated the veracity of the Good News, then honor God by spreading the Word!
Sunday:
- Take time to meditate on and ponder the events surrounding the birth of the Savior!
Monday:
- Treasure these things in your heart and glorify God for His wondrous gift of love!
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Pray that others will come to know the real wonder of Christmas!
Wednesday:
- Praise God that everything revealed to us in Scripture is JUST AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD!
Prayer Challenge: Pray that God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. Pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.– 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12.