Bible Study - Prophecies (5) - The Light and Glory of GOD - Luke 2:25-35 - Janiary 2, 2022

 

Bible Study – Prophecies (5) – The Light and Glory of GOD – January 2, 2022

This lesson 5 in our series entitled, “Irrefutable Prophecies That Point Us to JESUS.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 2:25-35.

JESUS reveals GOD’S Glory and Love.

Let’s read Luke 2:25-27a:

Simeon’s Prophetic Praise

²⁵ There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple.

Who was Simeon? It is believed that Simeon was a Gentile who was looking for the coming of the promised Messiah. He was a righteous and devout man, who was looking forward to GOD’S consolation or “Counselor.” JESUS used “Counselor” for Holy Spirit or The ONE Who comes along a person’s side to bring comfort, guidance and encouragement. Simeon was longing for the day when all people would experience the presence of the Holy Spirit as he had. GOD had given him special insight that day and he was led to come to the temple.

GOD had spoken to Simeon through the Holy Spirit that he would not see the physical death until he saw the LORD’S Messiah.

If you have ever experienced GOD’S promise to you, then you understand that Simeon was waiting, with great anticipation, when this moment would happen. He fully expected it. Where he was and what he was doing when the Holy Spirit urged him to go to the temple, we do not know. What we do know is that he was obedient to the voice and guidance of GOD and received a blessing and unspeakable joy. Not only did Simeon see the promised Messiah but he held HIM in his arms, WOW!!! We can only imagine the joy and fulfillment that Simeon must have experienced.

Some may ask, how can this be since the coming of the Holy Spirit was not until after the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, ascension of JESUS to indwell people on the day of Pentecost and since?

What was the difference between the activity of the Holy Spirit before and after the passion of JESUS?

The Holy Spirit was present before the world was created and is the third person of the Trinity – GOD, The FATHER, GOD, The SON and GOD, The Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit did not indwell the human body until after the resurrection and ascension of JESUS into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right-hand of GOD. After the resurrection, ascension of JESUS, the human body, for all who would receive JESUS as their Savior, would become cleansed by the shed Blood of JESUS. The shed blood of JESUS makes ready the human body or purifies it to receive the Holy Spirit. Thus, the human body is made pure for it to become the temple where the Holy Spirit can dwell within all Spirit-born people, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. So, glorify God with your body.^[a]

At the moment of conversion, the shed blood of JESUS sanctifies the human body of a person to receive the Holy Spirit.

As you may recall 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him we (Spirit-born Christians) might become the righteousness of God.

As Spirit-born people, we are commissioned by GOD to represent JESUS and the Kingdom of GOD upon earth. Why don’t we? Many of us allow our humanness to get in the way. Lack of faith. Yet, residing within every Spirit-born person dwells the greatest power in the Heavens, JESUS. Rejoice and be glad and live accordingly. All a Spirit-born person needs is faith in JESUS, the size of a mustard seed.

The parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law. Simeon a righteous and devout man was looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  The Holy Spirit was “On him” not in him. We who have asked JESUS into our hearts, believing that JESUS gave HIS sinless life for our redemption from sin, instantly receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, permanently.

We read in 1 Samuel 10:10:

¹⁰ When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully on him, and he prophesied along with them.

We read in Numbers 24:2:

² When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him, 

We read in 1 Samuel 16:13:

¹³ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward.

Simeon knew the presence of the LORD and so do all who have received JESUS as their Savior. And Glory be to JESUS! For all who have received JESUS as their Savior also have received the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms the fact that we belong to JESUS.

The Apostle Paul in Romans 8:16 states:

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, ¹⁷ and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

If Simeon had not responded when the Holy Spirit urged him to go to the temple, at that specific moment, he would have missed the blessing he had prayed for.

When the Holy Spirit prompts us to act or say something, do it because HE knows that we have exactly what is needed for a situation or a person.

Let’s read Luke 2:27b-32:

When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

WOW!!! Just imagine holding GOD/JESUS in your arms.

²⁹ Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation.
³¹ You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles^[m]
and glory to your people Israel.

Simeon referred to GOD as Master, thus implying that he was GOD’S slave. Some speculate that Simeon may have been a priest. Luke reveals that Simeon was righteous and devout.

Simeon knew Who he was holding in his arms. GOD had told him that he would live to see that special day when the promised Messiah would come into the world for both Gentiles and Jews. JESUS would be the Light and Glory to all people.

Mary and Joseph were bringing JESUS to the temple for a specific reason as stated above - “When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law.” They would bring JESUS to the temple when HE was eight days old to be circumcised. Then again thirty-three days after that, Mary was required to return to the temple when her days of purification were complete. (Leviticus 12:2-4)

Because JESUS was their first-born son, the law required them to dedicate HIM to the LORD and pay the required redemption price. (Exodus 34:19-20 and Numbers 3:40-48.)

Do you think that Simeon got him some neck sugar? That is the best sugar one can get from a baby.

The Holy Spirit motivated and guided Simeon to be at the right place at the right time and that is what GOD does when we are obedient to HIM.

Let’s read Luke 2:33-35:

³³ His father and mother^[n] were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed^[o]— ³⁵ and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts^[p] of many hearts may be revealed.”

Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about JESUS.

Then Simeon “blessed them” and had a special message from GOD to Mary and Joseph. The fact that Simeon “blessed them” to some Bible scholars think that Simeon was a priest. But the point, Simeon was a righteous and devout man, means he was obedient to GOD.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read ⁹ But you are a chosen race,^[a][b] a royal priesthood,^[c] a holy nation,^[d] a people for his possession,^[e] so that you may proclaim the praises^[f][g] of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

As Spirit-born people we are chosen to be a “royal priesthood.” The Holy Spirit is within each of us who have experienced the miracle of Spiritual birth and JESUS calls us to minister for HIM. HE has equipped us with Spiritual gifts to minister. So why don’t we minister? We leave it up to those called to minister and fail to see that we, who know the truth, are also called to minister. We miss the blessing of seeing GOD at work through us.

Let’s read Luke 2:36-38:

Anna’s Testimony

³⁶ There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,^[q] 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years.^[r] She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. ³⁸ At that very moment,^[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.^[t]

This scripture was not in our lesson but I had to add one more verification that the Holy Spirit does not discriminate between male and female. Anna was a God-fearing lady. She was up in age. She was 91 years old plus ever how old she was when she married. But that is not the point.

The point is, she loved GOD and was looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. She was prompted by GOD, ³⁸ At that very moment,^[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.^[t]

Timing is vital when serving our LORD. Timing can mean life or death, success or failure, and so much more.

Ask the LORD to so order your steps that your timing will precisely be according to HIS plan and purpose for you, male or female Spirit-born person.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Bible Study - Prophecies (4) - The King Who Reigns Forever - Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-33 - December 26, 2021

 

Bible Study – Prophecies (4) – The King Who Reigns Forever – December 26, 2021

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled, “Irrefutable: Prophecies that Point Us to JESUS.”

Our focal scripture is Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:26-33.

Spiritual matters must be Spiritually discerned and that is why we need to have the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us understand prophecy.

We read the written word and make assumptions about what we read or if the words are spoken, what we hear. The question is, what is the truth of what we read or hear? Let’s explore!

Consider this. When we read the book of Revelation, do we understand it? Do we try to match the things we read to today’s events? Yes! Why? We try to match what we read or hear to the evidence that surrounds us. which may be correct or misleading. The Prophet Isaiah wrote the prophecy of GOD 700 years before it was to take place.

Why did GOD reveal HIS prophecy so early through Isaiah? The people living at the time of Isaiah were living in Spiritual darkness and needed hope. GOD gave them a peek at HIS eternal plan that would come about according to HIS timetable. All who heard and read GOD’S prophesy through Isaiah could count on what they read or were told would take place 100%. The words of GOD through Isaiah were light and hope in the midst of Spiritual darkness.

The same is true for us today when we read GOD’S revelation through the Book of Revelation. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS, than to trust and obey. JESUS has come and HE is standing and ready to come again with a nod from our FATHER.

The Prophet Isaiah wrote what GOD revealed to him and the apostle John wrote what JESUS revealed to him.

Let’s read Isaiah 9:6-7: (Prophecy – About 700 years before the event.)

⁶ For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

GOD revealed through the prophet Isaiah that HE was going to send a special child, GOD in the flesh, to be born especially for the Israelites but also for all people. The Israelites were GOD’S chosen people to reveal to the world HIS promised Messiah.

The kings and those of nobility tried to make one of their male children this special person. How do we know that JESUS was the male person GOD had revealed through the prophet Isaiah? We have to examine the facts. Waiting on GOD to fulfill HIS promises is often difficult because HIS timing is always perfect and according to HIS plan. Why does GOD reveal and wait? What is HE doing while we wait? HE is working on us and preparing for everything to be in place before HE fulfills HIS promise.

We get impatient and so do others.

What were the attributes GOD revealed about this special child that Isaiah revealed?

⁶ For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,

This child would be a Hebrew male and the government will be on his shoulders.

Because of the statement “the government would be on his shoulders” it would be natural for those reading this to conclude that the government stated would point to an earthly government. We know from further revelation that has been revealed to us through the Book of Revelation, there will be a 1,000-year reign of JESUS upon earth and Spirit-born Christians will reign with HIM. (Revelation Chapter 20.) This has been revealed to us but this was implied through the Prophet Isaiah.

There is Spiritual rule and physical rule. Until a person experiences the Spiritual rule of JESUS within, it is impossible for him or her to understand the physical rule of JESUS upon earth.

The Holy Spirit, through the Prophet Isaiah, reveals some of the attributes of this ruler based upon revelation:
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

1 Samuel 17:45:

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.

What is a force greater than any human power? It is the “LORD of Armies,” that heavenly power, if unleased would destroy earth. But the Good News is that GOD has eternal plans and HE plans that present earth will be replaced with a new earth where JESUS reigns.

Revelation 21:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. ...

None of this could take place without JESUS coming to earth in the flesh. HE had to live as 100% human, yet 100% GOD, without sin in order to be our redeemer. When any person, places his or her faith in JESUS, that person is born into GOD’S Family through the miracle of Spiritual birth. This Spiritual birth in eternal. Rejoice! This is good news that can be accomplished by placing your faith in JESUS.

Now, let’s move on to one of the main events in the annals of time and GOD’S redemptive plan ----

Our next scripture gives us more information to help document the fact that JESUS is truly GOD in the flesh ----

Background and lead-in scripture:

The Angel Gabriel predicts the birth of the forerunner or the herald of JESUS. Kings in that day would have a herald to go before them to announce that the king was coming. This gave the people time to get ready for that king. The priest Zechariah was doing his priestly duties when he encountered the angel, Gabriel. Zechariah was alone when the angel Gabriel appeared to him. Zechariah was frightened. Why was Zechariah frightened? It could mean he was going to be punished or die but no, it was good news. Zechariah and Elizabeth, his barren wife, were going to have a baby. What!!! Yes, never doubt an angel delivering GOD’S message.

Let’s read Luke 1:5-25:

Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth

⁵ In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. ⁷ But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

⁸ When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹ it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰ At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. ¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. ¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. ¹⁴ There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

¹⁸ “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹ The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. ²⁰ Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

²¹ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. ²² When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was making signs to them and remained speechless. ²³ When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

²⁴ After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, ²⁵ “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

This message was an assurance to Mary that truly what was about to take place in her body was from GOD. The “sixth month” recorded in our next scripture was confirmation to Mary that truly GOD is all powerful and in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy that Mary was chosen to carry GOD’S SON, JESUS.

Let’s read Luke 1:26-31: Gabriel Predicts Jesus’s Birth

²⁶ In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin engaged^[c] to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”^[d] 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. ³⁰ Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 

GOD gives us milestones to document the birth of JESUS.

Let’s read Luke 1:32-33:

³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. ³³ He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

The promise from GOD was fulfilled after some 700 years of waiting.

We wait for the second coming of JESUS and that can happen at any instant. JESUS tells us to be ready because the King is coming. The KING WHO rules eternally!

Are you ready to meet JESUS? If not, why not? Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart and HE will. You will experience the miracle of Spiritual-birth and become GOD’S Child and receive eternal life. Spiritual-birth is a miracle which takes place within you quicker than the twinkle of your eye. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Prophecies (3) - The Savior Who Came to US - Luke 2:4-12, 16-20 - December 19, 2021

Bible Study – Prophecies (3) – The Savior Who Came to Us – December 19, 2021

This is lesson three in our series entitled, “Prophecies: That Point Us to JESUS.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 2:4-12, 16-20.

JESUS came for our salvation.

JESUS knew in Heaven and upon earth what HIS role in GOD’S redemptive process meant. It was the difference between gaining or losing eternal life for all people. JESUS was praying for HIS disciples and all of those who have or will receive HIM as their Savior as we read John 17:1-5:

Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, ² since you gave him authority over all people,^[a] so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. ³ This is eternal life: that they may know (not just know about YOU but to really know YOU) you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ. ⁴ I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.

JESUS knew along HIS journey upon earth where HE came from, yet HE was 100% human. Do you think it was a temptation to JESUS when HE was humiliated and made fun of to restrain Himself from revealing to those – LOOK!!! You do not know who you are dealing with!!!

JESUS was tempted in all ways just as humans are tempted, yet without sin.

It is fitting that Dr. Luke was commissioned by Theophilus as recorded in Luke 1:1-4 to document the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS.

1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. ³ So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, ⁴ so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.^[b]

Knowing JESUS’ history is one thing but knowing JESUS as our Savior requires a decision. Do you know JESUS as your Savior or as a man who lived a long time ago? Consider the evidence that HE was GOD in the flesh. HIS mission was to be the perfect sacrifice to pay in full for the sins of each person individually. It is the Holy Spirit that gives each person understanding and enlightenment. But to choose to accept JESUS as your Savior is personal and individual.

Dr. Luke ended the Book of Luke with the disciples and others waiting in Jerusalem, as instructed by JESUS, for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Then Dr. Luke begins his account of the working of the Holy Spirit in the Book of ACTS.

Why all this documentation? There is the real world and there is the mythical world. The real world is based upon verifiable truth. The mythical world has no bounds and is based upon fantasy. GOD’S Word documents the facts from prophetic statements to real occurrences.

As we study the scripture for this lesson, we see how well this event was documented. As we study the life of JESUS, we see the truth of HIS life and the facts that confirm HIM as the true and only SON of GOD, in the flesh. GOD’S redemptive plan for salvation is faith in JESUS, which is accepting JESUS as your Savior. HIS Spirit joins your spirit and the miracle of Spiritual birth takes place quicker than thought.     

In last week’s lesson, we learned that JESUS was referred to as, the WORD.” Let’s read John 1:1-3:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

Why is JESUS referred to as “The WORD?” Why is “The WORD” from the beginning with GOD? The two are equal, absolute, there will never, ever be another, they are eternal, never change or duplicated. They are and always will be WHO THEY are and we as human can count on it, eternally. GOD is “I AM.” HE has always been and always will be.

[Logos is a Greek word literally translated as "word, speech, or utterance." However, in Greek philosophy, Logos refers to divine reason or the power that puts sense into the world making order instead of chaos. It is the idea of a word uttered by a living voice that embodies a concept or teaches a doctrine. It is how ideas are communicated and brought to life.] (Compelling Truth.Org)

Before sin came into the world, GOD’S redemptive plan had been planned. GOD wanted those HE made to be in right relationship with HIM based upon freedom of choice. HE could have made humans robots but no, HE desired for humans to choose HIM based upon their free will. GOD places a stumbling block before every human to cross over, JESUS, The logos, before he or she enters eternity. The Holy Spirit works within the heart of every person leading him or her to a decision point to either accept or reject JESUS as his or her Savior. What are the facts to prove that JESUS is truly our Savior? Study the scripture and as you do, ask GOD to reveal truth to you. HE will. The question is, “What will you do with the truth??” Satan will do his best to distract and confuse you. When you see distractions raise their heads rebuke them in the name of JESUS. You are seeking truth. Stay focused and diligent.

Why? You are in a battle with Satan. Read Ephesians 6 and put on the full armor of GOD.  

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 1:23:

²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.^[e]

In Ephesians 1:4, we read - ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians, so how did he have this deep insight? Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:2:

² I know a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.

It is believed that this man was Paul when he was stoned. No not stoned with drugs but when he died and came back to earth to finish his calling.

I contend that the instant GOD thought of every person who will ever exist, that person was destined to be created. This was before the trinity created the place, we, as humans, would live, earth. The foreknowledge of GOD did not condemn us before we had the opportunity to exercise our freedom of choice to become a Child of GOD through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. Such love!!! Choose wisely where you will spend eternity – Heaven through faith in JESUS or Hell by rejecting JESUS as your Savior.  

In Genesis 3:8-11 and Genesis 3:15:

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,^[b] and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ And he said, “I heard you^[c] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”

Genesis 3:15:

I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.^[d]
He (JESUS) will strike your head,
and you (Satan) will strike his heel.

¹¹ Then he asked, “who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

Sin renders us naked before GOD but faith in JESUS and HIS passion renders us clothed with GOD’S righteousness – 2 Corinthians 5:21:

²¹ He(GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him we (Those who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God.

Let’s explore the birth of GOD as 100% human, yet GOD ----

How would you have had JESUS, the promised Messiah, come to earth?

Doctor Luke wrote about this amazing JESUS, King of Kings and LORD OF LORDS and GOD, HIS FATHER.

Let’s read Luke 2:4-7:

⁴ Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, ⁵ to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him^[c] and was pregnant. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,^[d] because there was no guest room available for them.

In our previous lesson, we studied about Mary and Joseph being chosen to be the earth parents of the promised Messiah, JESUS.

Scripture had prophesied specific things about the promised Messiah. We read in Micah 5:2:

Bethlehem Ephrathah,
you are small among the clans of Judah;
one will come from you
to be ruler over Israel for me.
His origin^[a] is from antiquity,
from ancient times.

Both Joseph and Mary were of the House of David. GOD is in the business of logistics. HE had to get Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. GOD used the Roman government. Both had to go to Bethlehem to register for the census.

It was a distance of 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Not a luxury ride for pregnant Mary riding on a donkey. Yet, she was called by GOD to carry HIS only SON, JESUS and prophecy had to be fulfilled.

Bethlehem was about 5 miles from Jerusalem where animals would be sacrificed in the temple.

When we are called by GOD to serve HIM, it is not always easy but HE walks with us each step of our journey and places us where HE desires for us to be according to HIS time and events table.

Reflect back over your life and see if you can see the hand of GOD placing you where HE wanted you to be to accomplish the career path, HE chose for you. I know I can.

The King of Kings was born and wrapped in cloth and placed in a manager. A lamb wrapped in cloth was destined to be sacrificed and it needed to be clean and free of any blemish. The lamb to be sacrificed was placed in a manager or feeding trough.

So, who knew all about lambs destined for sacrifice?

Let’s read Luke 2:8-12:

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸ In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.^[e] 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:^[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

On this special night shepherds were “staying” with the sheep over night to protect them from harm by wild animals.

Shepherds were the least likely group of people to witness the birth of the promised Messiah. They were not the pillars of society. They were not allowed to give testimony in courts and unable to observe traditional religious practices. Yet, GOD revealed the arrival of HIS only SON, The promised Messiah, to shepherds and JESUS referred to Himself as the good shepherd.

Just imagine, you are busy tending to your assigned sheep and suddenly an angel of the LORD appears with the Glory of the LORD shone around them and an angel spoke.

“Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:^[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

This was a once in a lifetime event. What would they do with this information? Let’s read on ----

Let’s read Luke 2:16-20:

¹⁶ They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.

The shepherds responded and verified what they had seen and heard. Once verified they shared the Good News.

What did they share with others?

“:a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

They shared in a nutshell – Savior, Messiah, LORD!”

They shared what they had seen and heard. That is exactly what we do once we have seen JESUS as truth and our SAVIOR. HE is the promised MESSIAH WHO takes away the sins of the world.

When GOD, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, reveals truth, check it out. Truth is always truth.

Have a CHRIST filled Christmas with blessings from our LORD!

JESUS, The Savior Who Came to us!

Blessings!!!