Are You Listening To The Angels? Part One (originally published 1985)

Today's Word Of Encouragement From Wayne:

"And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people.'"

Luke 2:10

These well known words from the angel's proclamation to the shepherds who were huddled together in fear of the apparition in front of them, on that cold night in the field of Bethlehem, accurately describes the emphasis God has been impressing upon my heart throughout this past year.

"Do not be afraid."  In this world we face so many difficulties, trials, and setbacks.  But rather than becoming fearful, despairing, or cynical about life we must, as believers, "Lift up our eyes to the hills from whence cometh our help."  To be afraid represents looking at life apart from who we are in Jesus Christ, and it's also a silent admission to the fact that we are not truly trusting in God's all covering love for us.  The angel had come with a message of joy but the shepherd's first reaction was to tremble.  They assumed the worst.  They were in fear for their lives when, in fact, they were about to be the first to see the new born Messiah.  The angel had come with a blessing but these shepherds feared a cursing.

How often do we react to life just like the shepherds?  The Bible says that "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28), but we consistently fail to live by these words of God's commitment to us.  Negativity, seeing the worst, and living in subjection to circumstances seems to be the lot for so many of God's children.  Yet these are imaginary prison bars and despite what you may say, those who live under the rule of these emotions have daily chosen to do so.  They may bewail the injustices of their lives and throw their hands up in the air, as if to say they are helpless and can do nothing about their trials, but they are actually walking in unbelief.

"Do not be afraid." Before the angel could proceed with the glad tiding, he first had to deal with the shepherd's fear and negativity.  They simply would not be able to really hear and believe the good news as long as fear filled their hearts and minds.

"For behold!"  When the word, "behold," appears in Scripture it means, "Drop everything and listen to what I am going to say."  In that phrase the angel was saying, "Stop looking at your own fears and pay attention to what I am about to reveal to you."  We simply cannot receive God's blessing in our lives until we are willing to make a conscious effort to stop being led by our own fears and negativity.  When we take our eyes off ourselves, our problems, and our attitudes, and give our full attention to our Lord of love and His holy word, then and only then will we be able to see as He sees.  It is only at this point of yieldedness that we avail ourselves of His power in our lives and it is only when we are willing to look at Him that we can be "changed into His image" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Hallelujah!

(To Be Continued Tomorrow)