This morning Nancy and I finished reading through the Old and New Testament simultaneously. The closing words of the Testaments seemed very fitting for today. These are God’s words through His appointed messengers. Read them also and let me know what you think.
Read Malachi chapters 3 & 4. Chapter 3:1 was about more than Elijah the prophet. Half a century later John the Baptist came preparing the way for Christ. Note the warnings that follow and the “Return to Me.” Chapter 4 has an admonition in the last two verses. This all points to Christ’s first coming. Yet He was rejected by many. You know the story. What do you think this all says for today?
The Shepherds (Luke 2) were first to see the new born Christ.. These guys were rejects from society and on the low end of culture but still raised sheep for the sacrifices. But they were chosen by God to see Christ first. That is huge! Meanwhile the Scribes, Pharisees, authorities, the aristocracy, and even King Herod had no clue.
It has been five centuries since any major visitation from heaven. Suddenly God sent an angel to the shepherds to comfort them and tell them of Christ’s birth. Suddenly a vast uncountable army of angelic beings appeared to brighten the Judea night in the dark desert. This was a birth announcement from heaven’s courts. Instantly the heavenly messengers disappeared.
Chalk art Christmas Eve
Then it says the shepherds immediately “go straight to Bethlehem…in a hurry.” They “made known” what the angels said and the people wondered at what was “told them.” Note the angels were the messengers. Then the shepherds were the messengers. Now we are the messengers. That is our mission.
Read Revelation chapter 22. Now we look to the future. See chapters 2-3 for details on seven churches being warned. This apply in the church age. Note how God finishes in Revelation chapters 20-21. These are promises that we all draw hope from. How does this fit with today? How does this apply to your life? Are you His messenger today., Are you ready for His return?
Need help with understanding this or how to be right with God? Contact us.
It is a good time to start reading through the Bible too. We use the Daily Audio Bible online http://dailyaudiobible.com on our cell phones. It is read with some music and a few comments before or after for context. You can follow the text provided on the app. Nancy and I do this over coffee or on a walk together. A set of Air Pods makes it easier to hear. Takes about twenty minutes.
Nancy and I want to wish you a Happy New Year.
Guys, note Men’s Discipleship Breakfast Study was moved from Jan. 1 to Jan. 8th at 8 am due the New Year holiday.