The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Shepherds

  • The Witnesses

    “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

    Luke 2:11

    In Malachi, attention was brought to the fact that God recognized those few who truly feared God, rejected the sin, and obeyed His commands. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Malachi 3:16). God not only saw them, He heard them. God knew them and wrote of them in a special book of remembrance. These people obviously loved God and sought to know Him more – for they thought upon His name. Remember that the things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. When one continually thinks upon God, God will continually be in that heart and mind. They were to remember to look for the One God promised from the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). Those people “spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16a). They encouraged each other often, and God heard.

    As we come to the New Testament after about four hundred years of no new word from God, understand that there were still a few people who truly feared God and thought upon His name. Recognize a few who either heard or witnessed the birth of the One who had been promised throughout the Old Testament: Jesus.

    In Luke, Zacharias and Elizabeth learned they would have a child born to them in their very old age. This child, John, would be the one “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17). The Lord was Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament.

    An angel came to Mary telling her that she had “found favour with God.” Mary would bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus, “the Son of the Highest” (see Luke 1:26-38). Her reply? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38a). She chose to obey God’s plan.

    Mary visited Elizabeth (see Luke 1:39-45). Elizabeth recognized Mary was carrying the child Jesus (before He was born).

    In Matthew, we are introduced to a man named Joseph, espoused to a young virgin named Mary. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph wanted to “put her away privily.” However, as he thought on these things, an angel came to Joseph and told him what was happening (see Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph chose to obey God’s plan.

    Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (per the decree of Caesar Augustus) where Jesus was born (see Luke 2:1-7). Angels told the shepherds in the fields who were watching their sheep, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). They were told where to find Him. What did the shepherds do? “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” (Luke 2:15). They chose to go see Jesus for themselves. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). They found Jesus, and they told everyone (see Luke 2:17-18).

    Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple when He was eight days old (according to the Law). Simeon went to the Temple that day (see Luke 2:21-35). He recognized that the baby, Jesus, was the Lord’s Christ (Messiah). What was his reaction? “30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Simeon recognized Jesus, the Messiah.

    Anna came in that instant (see Luke 2:36-38). “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” Luke 2:38). Anna recognized and acknowledged Jesus.

    In Matthew, we are introduced to many people: wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes (see Matthew 2:1-12). The wise men were looking for the new king who was born. The chief priests and scribes told them He would be born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:5-6). Although all heard where the new king would be born (wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes), only the wise men went to see Jesus where they fell down and worshiped Him (see Matthew 2:11). The wise men recognized Jesus.

    Many heard of Jesus. Only a few recognized just Who Jesus is. Each one of them had the choice: to believe, or to not believe in Jesus, God’s Son. Remember what Jesus said. “16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).

    Have you only heard of Jesus?

    Or

    Have you recognized Jesus, God’s Son, believing upon Him for salvation?

    What to to when you believe upon Jesus.

  • Who is He?

    “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

    Isaiah 9:6

    It is Christmas time again. Time for decorations, gifts, Christmas parties, visits to family, and so many other events that we consider Christmas celebrations. However, often times we forget what it is we are really to celebrate during the Christmas season.

    Most acknowledge that it is the birth of Jesus that we are to remember. Many even read the “Christmas Story” with family or friends. But have you ever taken the time to truly understand just who Jesus is?

    We remember the prophets of old told of One who would come. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We even sing Christmas songs reminding us of this message. In that foretelling we are to understand, it is “The mighty God” who was to come. And He did. First, remember what the angel told Joseph in a dream in regards to Mary. “21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23). Next, remember what the angel told Mary. “31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). Both of these declared that Isaiah’s prophecy would be fulfilled in Jesus.

    After Jesus was born, we have record that the angels declared His birth to the shepherds who were watching their flocks by night (see Luke 2:1-20). They went to see the One who was “born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11b). After seeing Jesus, they went and told everyone they saw. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).

    Later, we read that wise men came from the east, followed a star, and asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a). How did they respond when they found Him? “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

    We find many answers in the Bible as to who Jesus is. In describing Jesus, read the following verses:

    • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
    • “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
    •  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
    • “Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
    • “11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11-12).

    However, when specifically asked by Jesus, read what Peter understood. “15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16).

    When one really wants to know Jesus, the heart is touched. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    The shepherds understood Jesus was a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

    The wise men understood Jesus was to be King of the Jews, and they worshipped Him.

    Thomas learned Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through Jesus.

    Many Jews did not receive Jesus, but those who believed upon Jesus became sons of God.

    Peter understood that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

    But, most importantly, who is Jesus to you, today?

    Have you believed, by faith, that Jesus is the Son of the Living God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Witnesses of the Redeemer

    “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
    Galatians 4:4-5

    Have you ever considered that God provided witnesses to the birth of His Son, Jesus?

    When Jesus was born, the angels declared His birth to the shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. “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” (Luke 2:10-12). They immediately went to the city of David, Bethlehem, and found the child just as the angels had told them. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). After they saw the baby, Jesus, they told everyone about this child and what they knew of Him.

    We also remember that there were Wise Men from the East who followed a star. They went to Jerusalem to find out where the new King had been born. Herod called in the chief priests and scribes to ask them where this new King would be born. They recalled the answer from the book of Micah. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).When the Wise Men learned that this King was born in Bethlehem, they went and followed the star. It came to rest over the house where Jesus was born. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

    The shepherds and the Wise Men are both witnesses that Jesus was born in Bethlehem – just as God’s Word had declared.

    We find that God also had declared in His Word that Jesus would come to the Temple. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1). The people were to be watching for the Lord to come to the Temple. In Luke chapter two, we find that there were two such people. Simeon was a man waiting for the Messiah to come. When he saw Joseph and Mary bring the babe Jesus to the Temple, he declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:30). He recognized Jesus was that Messiah God had promised from the beginning of time.

    Anna was a widow who “… departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37b). When she came in at that instant and saw Jesus, she gave thanks to the Lord, “… and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b). She understood that this was the One that God sent to redeem His people. (See Hebrews 9:12.)

    Simeon and Anna were both witness that Jesus came to the Temple suddenly – just as God’s Word had declared.

    Each of these instances took place in different cities, in different places, and at different times. Yet each of these instances fulfilled the stipulations put forth in the Bible. Only God could know that these events would happen exactly as they did, hundreds of years before they actually took place! God declared that he sent His only Son into the World, to redeem the world from sin – if only they would believe. It is only then that one can become a son of God, through Christ. “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). One must only believe the witness that God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man from sin.

    Have you believed the witnesses that Jesus came, born of a woman, to redeem any who would believe?

    How to be Saved

  • Christmas Time

    “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
    Luke 2:10

    This has been another crazy year. Many things continue to feel uncertain. So much has changed. It is hard to believe that the year 2021 is almost over. Does it feel like Christmas time?

    Have you ever watched A Charlie Brown Christmas? As it opens, Charlie Brown is declaring to Linus, “I think there must be something wrong with me. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess.” He then continues by telling Linus all of the things he likes about the Christmas season, but that he still isn’t happy. “I always end up feeling depressed,” declares Charlie Brown. Linus tells Charlie Brown that only he could turn a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.

    If you remember how the show progresses, Charlie Brown is in charge of the Christmas program. He finds that everything he does turns into a disaster. In the midst of it all, he declares that he really doesn’t know what Christmas is all about. He then cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?!”

    Linus steps up declaring that he knows what Christmas is all about. One should remember what Linus quotes to everyone who is there: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

    Most people in the world today seem to forget: What Christmas is all about. In the cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas, the point is made. It is not the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts, the sending of Christmas cards, the commercialism that Christmas has become, and not even the Christmas programs that people try to make happen. The simplicity of the Christmas message is lost on the masses. It is purely what the angels told the shepherds in the field that night so long ago: “For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ” The good tiding of great joy was the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. One must understand that Christmas is about the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. God so loved us that He sent His only Son. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God revealed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for our sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Then one must believe that Jesus did die to pay the penalty for our sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He came to die (because of our sin), so that we could have life (because we cannot pay the penalty for our sin). Whoever will believe in Him, though they were dead in their sins and trespasses, yet shall he live. (Remember what Jesus declared to Martha, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” John 11:25.) Each person must understand that Christmas is remembering the giving of the greatest gift. God gave His only Son, Jesus. What is one to do with that important information? “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). This message of Jesus is the tidings of great joy! To all people!

    This gift is available to anyone. But this gift must be received by one who would only believe.

    Do you know what Christmas is all about?

    Have you received God’s gift (Jesus) into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • Christmas Time is Here

    “For unto you is born this day in the city of David
    a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”
    Luke 2:11

    This has been a very crazy year. So much has happened. So much has changed. It is hard to believe that the year 2020 is almost over. And it doesn’t really feel like Christmas.

    Do you remember watching A Charlie Brown Christmas? As it opens, Charlie Brown is declaring to Linus, “I think there must be something wrong with me. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess.” He then continues by telling Linus all of the things he likes about the Christmas season, but that he still isn’t happy. “I always end up feeling depressed,” declares Charlie Brown. Linus tells Charlie Brown that only he could turn a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.

    If you remember how the show progresses, Charlie Brown is in charge of the Christmas program. He finds that everything he does turns into a disaster. In the midst of it all, he declares that he really doesn’t know what Christmas is all about. He then cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?!”

    Linus steps up declaring that he knows what Christmas is all about. All should remember what Linus quotes to everyone: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

    Most people in the world today seem to forget: What Christmas is all about. In the cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas, the point is made. It is not the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts, the sending of Christmas cards, the commercialism that Christmas has become, and not even the Christmas programs that people try to make happen. The simplicity of the Christmas message is lost on the masses. It is purely what the angels told the shepherds in the field that night so long ago: “For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ” The good tiding of great joy was the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. One must understand that Christmas is about the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. God so loved us that He sent His only Son (see John 3:16). Then one must believe in what Jesus did when He came. He came to die (because of our sin). He came to give us life (because we cannot pay the penalty for our sin). Whoever will believe in Him, though they were dead in their sins and trespasses, yet shall he live. (Remember what Jesus declared to Martha, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” John 11:25). Each person must understand that Christmas is remembering the giving of the greatest gift given by God. It is available to anyone. But it must be received.

    Do you know what Christmas is all about?

    Have you received God’s gift (Jesus) into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved