10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
Joy. Who’s got time for it? I mean, seriously. There is so much going on in this world right now that I can’t imagine people experiencing anything but frustration, consternation, desensitization, hospitalization, cancelation, traumatization, superinfection, argumentation, dissatisfaction, polarization, separation, regulation, contention, imposition, irritation, exhaustion, and isolation,
But I thank God that He causes CONVICTION, which causes INTROSPECTION, and in turn causes us to seek God’s RESTORATION through SALVATION!
I don’t know what your day looks like, but I wanted to encourage you because the most remarkable single gift ever given to us is Jesus. There is no one higher, no one greater, no one wiser, and no one who loves us more than He does. And when we understand that, it changes everything. (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Salvation is good news
We often want to look at salvation as something very personal and keep it to ourselves because it is such an intimate and unique experience. But here’s the problem with that. If salvation is such good news for all people, why don’t we tell people the great news? There is no better time than today to share your story with someone. God manufactures many divine appointments in our day to place us in the position to tell someone about our salvation. The good news!
Look, have you ever thought about the shepherds being evangelists? They were. When they arrived at the simple wooden feeding trough of a cradle, “they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child” (Luke 2:17). They told the good news.
Do you think they enjoyed being in the fields day after day, doing the same thing every day? I imagine not. But, once the angel came and told them the good news, they could not help but share it with those around Jesus that night.
Salvation brings great joy
My car, house, and boat bring me great joy. My “man” stuff brings me great joy. My marriage brings me great joy. But what has happened to the joy salvation is supposed to bring in my life? It seems like COVID-19 sucked the joy right out of life, and we’re all walking around like zombies, and fear replaced joy. If you’re not experiencing joy in your salvation, something is wrong. No, seriously. Something is not right in your spirit.
God did not come to this world to bring us fear, failure, and factions. God came to bring all people joy (Luke 2:10).
Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” He was speaking about being connected to the Vine. Jesus was the vine, and we are to abide in Him. THIS IS THE KEY. We fail to abide.
Our initial salvation brings great joy to us because it changes the trajectory of our eternity. But after that initial time of extreme joy, the “fake reality” of the world creeps back into our thoughts. Remember, we are on the earth only a short time and then eternity in one of two places. Either heaven or hell. And that destination is a reflection of the most critical decision we will ever make.
Do we believe the angels as the shepherds believed? Have you had a faith experience with Jesus? Today is a great day to experience that in your life. If you want to know more, click the following link.