December 13, 2022 ~ Devotions: "The Light of the World"

And so, I continue. . . . .

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works.  Psalms 26:7 KJV

 Luke 2:8-12 ~ 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. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  KJV

Why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born, and not to a great number of people? Didn't God want all people to know that Jesus had come into the world? If many had seen the angels more could spread the Good News of the Messiah's arrival.  Maybe one reason why Jesus’ birth was announced first to the shepherds could have been because they were humble men.  Shepherds were looked down on by many people. Why them? Jesus didn't just come down to earth the way He did by accident. He came to save all people — rich and poor, male and female, uneducated and educated, humble or proudful. Sinners, that is why He came; to save all sinners. AND He knew that some would not recognize Him as the Saviour because of His lowly birth. Many are still looking for the "King", not a baby born in a manger. God help us to reach the LORD's chosen people with the Gospel.

By announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, God was demonstrating His love for every one of us, no matter who we are. The Bible says, “1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."  

Jesus was born in a stable in the midst of poverty, and of all the possibilities, simple shepherds were the first to find him. In their trusting response to the angel’s news, they offer us a model of humility in faith.

We must have faith in God! It seems since Adam's fall, the Jews have been looking for the Messiah! Even today there are many who are still looking for the Precious Saviour of the world. They will not except that Jesus, the true Messiah, was born in the flesh over 2,000 years ago.  It doesn't fit their "narrative". They are still looking for the Messiah, the KING, and Jesus has already come in a lowly manner, born as He was in this scene of poverty, and lowliness for one reason, to save men from their sin; but many still do not believe. The angel’s message to the shepherds is the joyful news that God promised to Israel in its days of darkness. It is a present reality: God is with us in the flesh. He is no longer a distant entity, known from afar, but truly close to us upon our belief in the Son, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. You can’t get much closer than that. The proclamation that “a Savior has been born for you” is a message that compels us to take a position. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Dear Jewish friend, dear lost sinner, it is true! The Messiah has come, and you must believe in Him to go to heaven.

 Like the shepherds, I am awestruck that our God was born in the flesh, Jesus Christ, and he came for ME! He came for YOU. The story of the shepherds is included in the Gospel for a reason: their response shows us what our response should be. Humbleness, awe, amazement, all those traits that touched the heart of God and He knew He did the right thing by sending Jesus as the Saviour for all men. For men in low places, as well as the high places! If you have never been saved, accepted Jesus as your Saviour, please call upon Him today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sin, receive the GIFT of God as your personal Saviour and then share the Gospel and Good News of Jesus everywhere. The best day of your life will be that day you secure your eternal home in Heaven!

  1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

 The Light of the World is Jesus

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in.
The Light of the world is Jesus!

 

Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

If you don't know Him, come to Him today! 

Tom & Linda Milam

Missionaries to America 

and around the world

May we be faithful to be your 

Philippians 2:16 Missionaries.

 Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

 Lord, help us to be worthy of your sacrifice, securing our souls with the Light of your life and sacrifice.  May Your light shine in and through us as our reasonable service to You. Save the lost, encourage the saints please.  And help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You, giving YOU all our best with an open loving heart for the ministry and people. Help us Lord, to be wise in our home life and all that is going on with that. Thank you in advance, Lord, for working out our situation for a home in FL. Thank you to all who are praying for us.  I pray for those who have given of their finances, and that you will continue to supply. We know you are our great Provider, and we can't thank you enough. We thank you Lord for your wonderful mercy in Tom's eyes and ask that you heal him completely or at least allow the drug to work. We ask Lord, that you would heal our dear friends and family. Bless our daughters, Nina, Jennifer, and Lita; especially with Lita's health we ask for your healing touch in every area of her life. We love you Lord and thank you for first loving us. Amen.