July 17 Do You Believe It?

Luke 2:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
 
CAN you imagine the conversations the shepherds had with people after they left the baby Jesus? “Hey everyone, we have some great news! We were watching our sheep. The listen to this: An angel appeared in the sky. He told us the Savior was in a manger here in Bethlehem. Then a great company of angels came joined him to sing praises to God. We saw God’s glory, his great light over the pastures. The music, too, was sensational!
     “Then we came here into town. We did see the Savior! He’s born to a couple named Mary and Joseph. They are in town because of the census. The inn was full, so they went to that stable behind Caesar’s Inn. The child was born right there! It was so unbelievable. We saw the baby Savior of the world! You can go see him, too.”
     Scripture records, “all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” How would they have expressed their amazement? We have no information. But we know in other cases when people wanted to see Jesus, they pressed hard against him in huge crowds. There were no crowds apparently at the manger. Might the shepherds’ news have been too unbelievable?  Would their amazed response go something like this: “Yeah, right guys. The angels came to talk to you? The Messiah is born in a stable? He’s the son of ordinary laborers? Who is this Mary and Joseph, anyway? Guys, you have to do better than that.”
     How about you? What’s your response to the Savior’s birth? Do you tell people around you, “Hey everyone, here’s some great news. God the Father sent Jesus the Son to save us from our sins. Jesus loves you so much, he submitted his life to a cross, so he would take on the punishment for your sins. Yes, it is unbelievable. But believe this remarkable message! Believe Jesus is your eternal Savior to take you into a true, eternal life in Heaven’s glory! Go to him, and you will see.”
     But it’s likely these are words you hold back. You know the response, “Yeah, right, my friend. Jesus saves me from sin? I’m a good person. Who needs Jesus? You’ll have to do better than that. I have my own way to Heaven – if it really exists.”
     Too many times the truth is too amazing for many to comprehend and receive isn’t it? Perhaps God’s truth is too easy and too wonderful to believe. Our work is to be as the shepherds. Be faithful to tell the good news. Pray for unbelieving friends, family and those who oppose you. You have the best news of all time past, present and future to tell to the world. Let them know.
 
Prayer: Lord, I pray for all who say, “A Savior is not possible.” Please turn their hearts to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior of their souls. In Jesus’ name, amen.