July 13 His Words to You

 Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
 
WHEN my granddaughters were toddlers, as I was playing with one or talking with her, my attention would drift to something else in the room. When that happened, she would put her hands on my face. turn my face to her face, look me in the eye and say, in effect, “Pay attention, Grandpa. I’m talking to you.” She got my attention. I was quickly back on track. It is important to honor our loved ones with our undivided attention, isn’t it?  
     Through Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, we see how God lovingly came to Zechariah, Mary and now the shepherds. Very powerfully, in the form of an angel and then a multitude of angels, God personally appeared to put his spiritual hands on the faces of those he had chosen for a special relationship with him. In effect, he graciously, lovingly and pointedly said to each one, “I need your undivided attention. I am here before you. My favor is on your life. Know, then, you have a special role in my plan to send my Savior to the world.”
     The glory of the Lord that night broke into the dark sheep pastures. The light turned the shepherds’ eyes upward. In awe they saw God’s brilliant glory come down to earth. The announcement transformed their lives.
     When Jesus ministered to the world, he continued to demonstrate God’s glory through his preaching, his discipling, his love, his forgiveness, his healing, his death, his resurrection and his ascension. Jesus wanted the world’s full attention to say, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Thankfully, in God’s power, countless people have paid attention since then to see the Savior’s life. The Spirit has revealed to them God’s hands on their face to say, “My favor is on you. You are mine. I have a special purpose for your life.”
     Yes, God’s message is loud and clear. “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” Revelation 21:7 May we all pay absolute attention to this eternal announcement on each day of our lives.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your salvation. Amen.