Luke 2:15 "When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.'"
I love that God chose to announce Jesus' birth to a group of people that were looked down on, in society. Jesus Himself started out His life here on earth via very humble beginnings. He was not born in a palace, even though He is the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of lords. He did not go around with His head held high, looking down on the poor, the sinner, or those who were the least esteemed in society. No, our Lord was humble. Philippians 2 described His humility and submission to our Heavenly Father's plan. In Matthew 11:19 Jesus said, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.'" Throughout His ministry, Jesus sought those who were lost and needed salvation. He does not give eternal life based on background, lifestyle, culture, or any other earthly qualification. He gives eternal life to anyone who truly believes and calls upon Him. God plainly told us that He loves the world, and gave His only begotten Son, because of this love (John 3:16). My questions for us today are these, "What are we doing about this? Who are we sharing Jesus with? Are we being preachers of God's Word, or have we surrounded ourselves, exclusively, with other Christians? Have we formed our own little Christian clubs that only allow other pharisaical Christians to join?" The time is short, and the time of the Lord's return is nigh! If we were living in Jesus' time, based on who we are sharing Christ with today, if at all, would we be criticized as He was? Do others see us as humble servants of Jesus who are known for serving and sharing the Gospel among those whom the rest of society has forsaken? Let me remind us all that the Good News of Jesus, what He did, and what is to come, is the Message that is not exclusive to some. It is the Message for everyone!
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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