pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 14 “Willing”

Willing

To be willing to do good is one thing. To be able to do good is quite another.
Jesus, of course, was both. He did not withhold His blessings until some price was paid—He was the price to be paid. He did not make those seeking His touch jump through hoops to earn His attention—He walked among them freely, available to all who would reach out to Him in faith. Believing was the catalyst. Those who approached Him in cynicism went away unchanged. Others, threatened by His authority, who came to Him to discredit Him, went away with all their clever constructs crumbling before His simple message and powerful presence.

A Leper in the Crowd
While the willingness of Jesus to heal and deliver was obvious to most, His availability to social outcasts had yet to be seen. The poor man is described as “full of leprosy.” This was no minor case. According to the customs and cautions of the time, lepers had to announce their approach in the streets by yelling, “Unclean! Unclean,” providing ample warning and opportunity for people to find safety until the damaged and dangerous one passed.

The crowd pressing Jesus gave way at the sound of this leper’s cry. He came and fell on his ruined face at the feet of Jesus. His question was the same question on everyone’s mind. Did the mercy and authority of Jesus extend all the way to people like him?

“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

This was not a challenge to Jesus. It was not the cry of a cynic or an enemy. It was the sincere statement of one who had nowhere else to turn.

The Healing Touch
As he often did, Jesus let the man’s words hang in the air. The crowd pulsed with silent anticipation. What would Jesus do? What would He say? Jesus raised His hand to the sky and left it there, heightening the wondering expectation of the people. Would He strike such an unworthy one?

No. He touched the man! Unprecedented. Unheard of. Unwise by all contemporary thinking.

“I am willing; be cleansed.”

Immediately the disease departed. The stunned crowd watched as fresh new flesh grew where unsightly horrors had been just seconds before. The man, still wearing the rotting rags of an outcast, obeyed the Lord and headed for the Temple to fulfill the law’s requirements for one healed of leprosy. Silently the crowd watched him until he was out of sight, swallowed by the streets and alleyways of the town.

The Lord Jesus is willing!
There are no “ifs” to be considered. When we come to Jesus in faith believing, He will meet us. When we call on Him in faith, He hears us! His Word gives us the details of His willingness, its qualities and conditions, in covenantal form. When we ask according to His benevolent will, He hears us and is willing and able to supply our needs.

To be willing to do good is one thing. To be able to do good is quite another.

Scriptures:
Luke: 5:12-16
And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank for Your touch! Thank You for Your willingness to touch me, time and time again when I called on You in faith. I am sure there are other times when You touched me and I didn’t call on You! Your mercy extended, just as promised in the Word, to me and to my generation! I need another touch today. I know You are willing and I know You are able. The Word makes it clear: “The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever!” Thank You, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Song:
He Touched Me
Words and Music: Bill and Gloria Gaither

1. Shackled by a heavy burden,
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.

Refrain:
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

2. Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I’ll shout it while eternity rolls.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 13 “Fishermen”

Fishermen

When the sun comes up each day we are relatively sure it will go down again in the world that saw it rise.
That would be the normal expectation of a normal day. If that sunrise was the start of a day when Jesus walked by, the world could change before sundown. So it was for two sets of brothers in the fishing business in the region of Galilee. Andrew and Peter were one set; James and John were their partners.

Business was good.
The water was clean and the fish were plentiful. Sometimes they were not easy to find, but they were there for the eventual finding and taking. The four fishermen were impressed with Jesus. Perhaps they had witnessed the deliverance of the demon-possessed man in the synagogue. Simon Peter’s wife’s mother had been healed of a high fever at His command. They had witnessed the healing service late in the day. On this day Jesus would ask for their help teaching His authoritative message. Who knew what miracles the rising sun might witness on such a day?

The four partners had fished through the night, never locating the fish they sought and were cleaning their nets before finally getting some rest. Their two boats were safely ashore as a growing crowd followed Jesus to the water’s edge.

Simon Peter’s Boat
Jesus knew that He could use one of the boats as a sort of speaking platform. The water around the boat would reflect and amplify His voice. He asked Simon Peter if he could cast out a little way from the shore. The fisherman was glad to help and felt honored that his boat was to be of use to this man who had healed his wife’s mother.

Just offshore, Jesus continued His teaching sitting in the boat. At first, the other three fishermen tried to continue working on their nets while Jesus spoke but this proved impossible. The authority of Jesus’ teaching, the depth of His insight, and the practicality of His instruction commanded their complete attention. The nets were forgotten.

“Launch out into the deep.”
When Jesus finished teaching, He asked Simon Peter and his partners to go out into the deep waters and use those nets, repaired or not. Simon protested that they had worked at it all night and there were no fish to be found in that area. As he spoke, Peter must have realized that with Jesus around things could change for the better in a hurry for he quickly agreed to give it a try.

Like they had done so many times before, the partners prepared their equipment and set out for deep waters. When Peter put down his net, a multitude of fish rushed to be captured! The hastily prepared net began to break and the boat was filled to overflowing with fish! Simon and Andrew called for their partners in the other boat. Soon both boats were filled and safely delivered back to port.

Simon fell to his knees confessing his sinfulness. We can be sure the other three did as well. Jesus seized the moment.

“Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”

It was more than a miraculous catch; it was a calling. That day on the Sea of Galilee, the sun did not set on the same world upon which it rose that morning. Two sets of brothers forsook all to answer the call of Jesus.

Scriptures:
Luke: 5:1-11
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, long ago I sensed Your call and I decided to follow You. Though I have sometimes failed to follow You, You have never failed to bring me back. Give me the proper spiritual vision to see what is really important. It isn’t the “business” life put me in—it is the ministry You have called me to. You will use my stuff, just as You used Peter’s boat and nets, but You are the One who does the work,  the One who has the reward. “The world behind me, the Cross before me!” Thank You, Jesus!

Song:
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Traditional

1. I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back.

2. Though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
no turning back, no turning back.

3. The world behind me, the cross before me;
the world behind me, the cross before me;
the world behind me, the cross before me;
no turning back, no turning back.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 12 “Galilee”

Galilee

Before Jesus came preaching and healing in Galilee, everybody was simply dying.
Life was miserable, stressful, and short. When one got sick, death was the most likely outcome. There was no sanitation and not even any knowledge beyond the commands of the Law of Moses that being clean had anything to do with being sick. All that could be done with blind, deaf, lame or impaired folk was to be kind to them, give them alms, and help them get around without hurting themselves.

Then Came Jesus
Jesus came into that painful, depressing world with words of hope and a healing touch. Irreversible situations were reversed at His command. Blind eyes started seeing. Those with no powers of speech started singing psalms as those who had no hearing listened. Lame children started dancing to the music. Not only had pain departed but joy had come to town. The only tears watering the dusty pathways through Galilee were tears of gratitude and joy.

Peter’s House
After the amazing deliverance of the demoniac in the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus went to the home of one of the Galilean fisherman who was following Him, Simon Peter. His wife’s mother was down with a dangerously high fever, one of those fevers that only cools when the body dies. This woman did not want to be sick for that meant she was out of action. She took great joy in serving others so she was sick in her spirit as well as in her body.

Perhaps Jesus saw that Simon Peter was not taking part in the celebration that spilled over from the synagogue to the streets. The family asked Jesus to do something. When He learned that the mother-in-law of one of His men was desperately ill, He went into the house, stood over her and rebuked the fever. The disease obeyed and her body instantly cooled. Her head was clear and her limbs were strong and well-practiced. Immediately she went to work serving those who were in her home.

A Sundown Healing Service
The news of the deliverance of the man in the synagogue and the healing of Peter’s wife’s mother spread throughout Galilee. As the sun was setting, a multitude of people came seeking a different result from the usual countdown to a painful death. They were not disappointed. The combination of the love of Jesus with the power of Jesus and the faith of the people made for a high, holy, and hilarious time as evening shadows fell. That grace group was tuned up and on fire:

  • Dumb people singing while
  • Lame people danced while
  • Deaf people listening to music for the first time ever, while
  • Lepers shopped for new clothes while,
  • Sore people didn’t hurt anymore and stiff people moved without pain and
  • People who had hosted demons rested in the peace of God.

All because Jesus came by where they lived. They didn’t argue with Him they just believed what He said. They didn’t strike out at Him, they reached out to Him and He touched them.

Before Jesus came preaching and healing in Galilee, everybody was simply dying. When, over their protests, He left them to take His ministry elsewhere, they were no longer dying; they were living!

Scriptures:
Luke: 4:38-44
Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no one like You. I am so glad You came my way! Your presence is my delight and my destiny. My walk with You here is a foretaste of the eternity we will walk together. There will be no sorrow there, no pain, no stress, and no strain. These things happen here, but Your power is here with me, giving me relief. Thank You for Your healing, sustaining touch. May I always express my joy in You which is my strength. Amen.

Song:
Reach Out and Touch the Lord
Traditional

Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.
You’ll find He’s not too busy to answer your cry.
He’s passing by this moment your need to supply.
Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 11 “Authority”

Authority

In stark contrast to the riot at the synagogue in Nazareth, worshipers in the synagogue in Capernaum welcomed Jesus and His message. 
Dr. Luke emphasizes the teaching of Jesus.  The faithful in Capernaum recognized an authority in the teaching of Jesus they had never before witnessed.  This authority was about to be demonstrated in a powerful way.

A Demonic among the Faithful
We don’t know how long this had gone on, or what family connections made it possible, but a regular attendee in that synagogue was infested with demon spirits. Judging from other demonic encounters in the Jesus Story, this man was most likely a disrupter of worship. He did not come to services to worship, but to keep others from worshiping. Demon spirits hate the worship of God! Perhaps they were envious because they wanted worship for themselves; this was their downfall ages ago. There must have been some reason why the people tolerated this unpredictable, random embarrassment. Perhaps an influential leader interceded for the poor man. The same authority in the words of Jesus that impressed the worshipers, aggravated the demons. They cried out against Him.

“Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?”

No! thought the leaders of the synagogue. Not now! Not for this nice boy from Nazareth? If there were prominent family members influential enough to override the will of the leaders, they must have lowered their eyes in shame. They knew better than to try and restrain him; the demons gave him supernatural strength. Jesus paused in His teaching. The demons in the man jumped into the silence.

“Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!”

All semblance of worship was gone; this was now outright spiritual warfare. Jesus fixed his eyes on the unfortunate man and spoke past the man’s face to the corrupted spirit within him where the demons had taken up residence.

“Be quiet, and come out of him!”

As a parting gesture, the demons threw the man to the floor of the synagogue, shaken but uninjured, and left him there as they fled.

It may be that the one who defended the demonized man lifted him from the floor and looked deep into his eyes. For the first time in memory, his eyes, and therefore his mind, were clear, clean from the shadows of evil. The delivered man knew what to do next—he worshiped God. Someone pointed out Jesus as the man who commanded the demons to leave. The man’s worship quickly focused on Jesus. It is likely that he, like so many others, fell at Jesus’ feet, weeping with thanksgiving.

Authority and Power
The congregation buzzed with excitement. The smartest among them began to calculate the implications of this authority and power for the People of God. Surely the Romans had met their match in Jesus. News of this spread throughout Galilee, even back to Nazareth where people did not want to hear about it.

Somewhere in the nether regions where demons go to sulk, these soldiers of Satan’s legions were ashamed to report their defeat at the hands of Jesus of Nazareth. Satan was not surprised. His corrupted angel soul still smarted from the beating he had taken in the wilderness.

Scriptures:
Luke: 4:31-37
Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it simply is no contest! The devil is a defeated foe and You are the one who defeated him. He is a liar and the father of it. He hates You and he hates worship. He fears prayer in the Spirit so that’s what I am going to do. Help me to never fear the emissaries of the enemy. I will run into Your name as my strong tower and I will be safe there because You are the Victor! Amen and amen.

Song:
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Words and Music: Martin Luther

1. A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2. Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

3. And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4. That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions June 18

June 10 “Rejection”

Rejection

The words were well known by all. Centuries had come and gone since the Prophet Isaiah had written them.
As was His custom, Jesus attended worship at the synagogue in Nazareth. He had been on an amazing ministry tour in Galilee since the Holy Spirit led Him out of the desert. The moment had come for Him to tell His friends and family who He was. They needed to know. It would explain so much! The news of the healings and other miracles had preceded Jesus to the meeting. The elders handed Him the scroll of Isaiah to read. He turned to the place where the Prophet predicts the power of Messiah’s ministry.

The Spirit of the Lord
“Christ” means, “the Anointed One.” The secret of the future impact Messiah was to be the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Christ will be the “Anointed One”—chosen by God and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit. He will walk among people as a source of blessing. Whatever they need they will find in Him.

  • The poor will hear the Gospel—the Good News of God’s Kingdom come to Earth.
  • The brokenhearted ones will find healing in His embrace.
  • Captives will be set free.
  • The blind will see again.
  • Those who had found living to be a binding, bruising experience will be set free at His command.
  • He will proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

He closed the scroll as every eye in the synagogue was fixed on Him. What would be His commentary on the passage they all knew so well?

Fulfilled
His commentary changed everything. He was not Joseph’s son. He was more than a skillful carpenter. The ministry in Galilee proved it—Jesus was the one spoken of by the Prophet.

“Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The stunned silence quickly gave way to skepticism and hurtful questions. The questions gave way to violence. The congregation became a mob. They manhandled Jesus out of the meeting house to the brow of a hill intending to throw Him off. He stopped them with the force of His very presence. Like the Red Sea before the Children of Israel, the crowd parted before Him and He walked out through the middle of them.

“…no prophet is accepted in his own country…”

The Nazareth Misjudgment
Those people thought they knew Jesus so well. The older ones had watched Him grow up. The younger ones had grown up with Him. He was a good man, a master craftsman, but Messiah? No! He was the son of Mary and Joseph arriving among them a little too early. Who could believe those tales about the miracles in Galilee? Do one now, Jesus, for us.

So smart. So clever. So wrong. The blind among them still stumbled in darkness and the deaf ones still heard nothing. Those in chronic pain went to bed again with their usual discomfort. It could have all be so different. They could have seen Him walk among them with healing in every step.

The words were well known by all but the truth escaped them.

Scriptures:
Luke: 4:14-30
Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'” Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You. I will open my mind to You. I will open my eyes to You. I will open my heart to You. I will listen for Your voice. You are my Healer and Deliverer. I will not be distracted by those who doubt You. Your presence will be my passion, Your will for me will be my plan. You will always find honor in my heart and praise on my lips. Your Word will be my constant song.  Amen.

Song:
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus
Traditional

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 9 “Temptations”

Temptations

Before beginning his account of the ministry of Jesus, Dr. Luke provides us with a genealogy of Jesus through Joseph all the way back to Adam. 
The names take on a familiar ring at about the time of King David: Nathan, David, Jesse, Boaz and ending with the Patriarchs, Judah, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Noah, and finally to Adam. Such documentation is to be expected from a physician who did his homework. This places the Jesus Story in a universal context.

Led by the Spirit
After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of the Lord led Jesus (Some say He was driven by the Spirit!) into the wilderness. He fasted for 40 days with only the desert creatures for company, except for one unwelcomed companion—Satan himself. The fast and the temptation both lasted 40 days. There was a purpose in all of this:

  • Jesus had to endure temptation at its greatest power in order to completely defeat evil.
  • Jesus had to prove Himself to be the master of Satan. That fallen angel would try his best but would never best the sinless Son of God.
  • We believers in Jesus can appropriate Jesus’ victory over temptation and sin, because Jesus, the Victor, lives within us!

The Temptations
Decades later John, one of the Disciples of Jesus, wrote that temptation came in three varieties:

  1. The lust of the flesh,
  2. The lust of the eyes, and
  3. The pride of life.

These correspond perfectly to the final assault of this 40-day battle when Satan flamed out in defeat.

  • Lust of the flesh. Jesus was very hungry so Satan tempted Him with food. Jesus countered with the Word, true nourishment!
  • Lust of the eyes. Satan took Jesus to a high mountain from which He could see the kingdoms of this world. He offered them to Jesus in exchange for worship. Jesus saw more than the shimmering horizon in this vision—He saw the deception inherent in the lust of the eyes—envy, greed, power, riches ruthlessly gained, and vanity. We must keep our eyes on God and worship Him only.
  • The Pride of Life. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple, the center of the center of the faith. He sought for one hint of pride in Jesus. If you are the Son of God—prove it! He quoted scriptures promising safety when danger came near Messiah. There was not a glimmer of pride in Jesus as He rebuked the old devil for the final time.

Jesus was and is the Victor!

Our Victory
Jesus was in the right place at the right time—fasting and seeking God in the wilderness, preparing for His public ministry. This is a vital key to victory over temptation—stay in the center of God’s will. The sheep that wanders away from the Shepherd is the victim of the roaring lion. Know the Word—know the Word! Know it so well you can quote it in the devil’s ugly face. He has no answer for the Word confessed in faith. In times of temptation, when we quote the Word of God, we can actually feel Satan slinking away.

Scriptures:
Luke: 3:23-38; 4:1-13
Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Luke 4
Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'” Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
1 John 2:16-17
For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for that ordeal in the desert. You did not yield to temptation. You defeated every trick of the enemy and You did it for me! Through You, I can have victory over the lust of the flesh. By Your grace I can have a clear spiritual vision, unclouded by the lust of the eyes. Because Your Spirit lives in me, I can go about in genuine humility, taking the servant’s place in victory because You defeated the Pride of Life. “Victory, yes, victory. Hallelujah! I am free, Jesus gives me victory!” Amen and Amen.

Song:
Victory
Words: Barney E. Warren

1. Hallelujah, what a thought!
Jesus full salvation brought,
Victory, victory;
Let the pow’rs of sin assail,
Heaven’s grace can never fail,
Victory, victory.

Refrain:
Victory, yes, victory.
Hallelujah! I am free,
Jesus gives me victory;
Glory, glory! Hallelujah!
He is all in all to me.

Refrain

2. I am trusting in the Lord,
I am standing on His Word,
Victory, victory;
I have peace and joy within,
Since my life is free from sin,
Victory, victory.

Refrain

3. Shout your freedom everywhere,
His eternal peace declare,
Victory, victory,
Let us sing it here below,
In the face of every foe,
Victory, victory.

Refrain

4. We will sing it on that shore,
When this fleeting life is o’er,
Victory, victory;
Sing it here, ye ransomed throng,
Start the everlasting song:
Victory, victory.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 8 “Prepare!”

Prepare!

Major events require intense preparation. That was the job of John the Baptist.
Dr. Luke sets the Jesus story in a historical context, one that was familiar to his first-century readers. He gives the details down to the exact year when all the preparations of childhood and youth ended for John and Jesus.

John the Baptist
While the high priests Annas and Caiaphas carried on business as usual at the Temple in Jerusalem, John received a word from the Lord in the wilderness. The contrast between the high priests and John could not have been more stark:

  • Regal robes, the finery of power compared with camel’s hair;
  • Solemn, well-rehearsed prayers echoing from marble walls rather than the ruined voice of single man reverberating from canyon walls;
  • A bland call to normalcy and un-rocked boats instead of an impassioned plea for repentance of sins and spiritual revolution; and
  • Worn out lectures falling on deaf ears against knife-like sermons that cut to the heart.

All through the region of Judea around the Jordan River crowds came to hear John. He was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, a voice crying in the wilderness.

“Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled
And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough ways smooth.”

Action was required from those who longed to be right with God. Sin had ruled the nation long enough. It was time for righteousness again. The hunger of the multitudes for the glory of the Lord drove people to the wilderness abandoning the Temple. They wanted to see the glory again and this was what Isaiah promised.

“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God…”

Works of Repentance
The nation did not need more words; more mercy was the need. Instead of more ritual, real power was needed. Instead of good intentions, works worthy of repentance were needed. John went into detail.

  • To be true sons of Abraham they must follow God as Abraham did.
  • The ax was already at the root of the fruitless tree.

When people asked what he meant, he became even more specific.

  • Be generous givers, not hoarding misers.
  • Tax collectors, do not skim off the excess for yourselves.
  • Soldiers, do your duty fairly with justice and not for bribes.

Lines of repentant sinners splashed through the Jordan at John’s hands.

John and Jesus
Many began to openly speculate if John was Messiah. John set them straight. His baptism was for repentance. The One to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire. This holiness revival reached all the way to Herod and John was destined for prison. Before his arrest, Jesus came to him for baptism. John protested but Jesus prevailed. When Jesus came up out of the Jordan, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon Jesus. A voice from the sky declared His identity.

“You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

The people who were prepared heard the voice. Those who refused to fill in their apathetic valleys, bring down their mountains of pride, straighten out their crooked methods and smooth out their careless, rough ways heard nothing but thunder on the winds of the wilderness.

Scriptures:
Luke: 3:1-22
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison. When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to live in a continual state of preparation. Keep my heart clean from sin. Fill in the valleys in my knowledge of the truth with holy facts. Blast away any stubborn boulders of pride in my life. Show me the crooked places so I can straighten them according to Your word. Give me the grace to smooth out my rough, careless ways. I want to witness it when Your glory is revealed to all mankind! I want to be prepared for what it is next! Amen.

Song:
Revive Us Again
Words: W.P. Mackay; Music: John. J. Husband

1 We praise thee, O God, for the Son of thy love,
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.

Refrain:
Hallelujah, Thine the glory!
Hallelujah, Amen!
Hallelujah, Thine the glory!
Revive us again.

2 We praise thee, O God, for thy Spirit of light,
Who has shown us our Savior and scattered our night.

Refrain

3 All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins and has cleansed ev’ry stain.

Refrain

4 Revive us again – fill each heart with thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 7 “Scholars”

Scholars

By the time Jesus was 12 years old, Joseph and Mary seemed to forget who He really was.
Each year, the family (Joseph and Mary had their own children by that time.) repeated the journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem for Passover. Perhaps they busied themselves with the other children and left Jesus to His own devices. He was never any trouble anyway.

When the feast was over, everyone started for home, supposing Jesus to be with the entourage. He wasn’t. One day out, they realized this and returned to Jerusalem to find Him. It took them three days to think of the Temple. If they had been paying attention, they would have seen how the Temple fascinated the 12-year old Jesus. He was transfixed by the ceremony, the colors, the music, and the constant chanting of the Psalms. He knew all the psalms by heart but hearing them in the Temple gave them a thrilling new context.

He never left the Temple
The other pilgrims finished their obligatory worship and headed for home, eager to get back to their businesses. Jesus had just found His business and could not leave it. The Temple was His Father’s house. The psalms were addressed to His Heavenly Father! He belonged here! This place held a vital connection to His mission—the business His Father had sent Him to do. Thoughts of Nazareth and Mary and Joseph and the growing family seemed distant and disconnected.

Jesus and the Scholars
Like all academics, they were a mixed crowd. Many of them were sincere students of the Word and others were in it for power and prestige. Regardless of their heart conditions, all of them knew the Word of God. Imagine what it was like for them to see this little boy emerge from the crowd to ask them questions. This was flattering, of course. Men with all the answers love to entertain questions from lesser beings.

This boy was different. His questions sprang from an intense knowledge of the Word, not from ignorance of the law. For three days the Q and A continued. The boy never seemed to tire and he wore out group after group of the finest minds in the Temple. He asked questions they never before considered and for which they had no answers. The sincere ones kept the conversation going. Jesus was feeding their souls with truth. When the first night came, they took care of Jesus and were surprised when he peacefully slept in the quarters they provided. Shouldn’t a lost boy cry for his parents at night? Evidently not. The power-hungry priests were embarrassed and annoyed that this presumptuous little fellow could do this to them. They huddled together and decided to mark Jesus as a man to be watched. He might get one of their jobs one day.

The Return of Mary and Joseph
Late on the third day, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple teaching the scholars. They were embarrassed and rebuked Jesus. How could He do this to them? His answer sounds a bit rude to us but it really tells the tale.

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

This answer confused the priests. Wasn’t His father the carpenter? The Temple was not his business place.

Joseph and Mary thanked the scholars and hurried Jesus out of there and back to Nazareth. Jesus submitted to them for this, too, was His Father’s business.

Scriptures:
Luke: 2:39-52
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the living Word. Those scholars in the Temple had no way of knowing that You knew the Word because You are the Word. But I know this and believe it with all my heart. Illumine my every step, O Lamp of God! Give light to my path, O Light of the World! The world around me is shrouded in darkness but Your Light shines on me, just as Isaiah promised. As I walk in this light, help me show the light to those who walk in darkness! For Your glory, Lord! Amen and Amen.

Song:
Thy Word Is a Lamp unto My Feet
Words and Music: Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant
1. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
still you’re there right beside me,
and nothing will I fear as Iong as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.

2. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.

I will not forget your love for me,
and yet my heart forever is wandering.
Jesus, be my guide and hold me to your side,
and I will love you to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

June 6 “Prophets”

Prophets

For those who are sensitive to the voice of the Spirit of God, no day is just another day.
Every day holds some hidden delight to be enjoyed, some enrichment of the soul available to anyone who really watches and listens.

In the Temple
Two ancient servants of God were allowed living quarters somewhere within the Temple courts. They had earned these accommodations through faithful living and a singular focus on Messiah.

  • Simeon had a promise from God that with his own eyes he would see Messiah. Every day he surveilled the Temple court where babies were dedicated. As his years piled up, his expectation also grew. Any day might be the day!
  • Anna, a widow of some 84 years and a prophetess, lived in the Temple courts as well. She was renowned for her spirituality, fasting and praying continually for Messiah to come. She too, watched the place of dedication every day knowing that one day He would come.

It is inevitable that two such Temple fixtures would have known each other. They must have crossed paths every day, encouraging each other to be faithful in all things. Messiah is near!

The Dedication of Jesus
Eight days after His birth in Bethlehem, Jesus was presented for circumcision and dedication in the Temple. Before they reached the appointed place, Simeon met them and Anna followed at an appropriate distance. The old man took the child from Mary’s arms without the slightest protest from Joseph—he was learning to let God handle things! Joseph and Mary took a step back as Simeon took the Baby Jesus and lifted him toward heaven. Just as Zacharias had done for his son, John. Prophecies began to flow from Simeon.

Simeon’s Song
Regular visitors to the Temple found the old man mildly amusing and he regularly drew a small audience. All the priests and their wives knew of Simeon’s promise. He began this way:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word”

His audience stopped to listen to the strange old man. Strange old men speaking to the People of God was part of their heritage.

“for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

A child had never been so tenderly and securely held by an old man as was Jesus that day. Reluctantly, Simeon handed Jesus back to Mary. As he did, Simeon prophesied about the ministry of Jesus

“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel,
and for a sign which will be spoken against…”

In midsentence, the Spirit spoke to Simeon about Mary. Her life was not to be an easy one.

“…yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also…”

Anna’s Song
As Simeon handed Jesus back to Mary, Anna began to sing, her thin soprano lifted high above the din of the Temple courts. Her words were not recorded for us except to say that she gave thanks to God and encouraged others to pay attention to this child. Redemption for Israel would be found in Him.

Scriptures:
Luke: 2:21-38
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord “), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me from time to time that the whole story is not right in front of me. You are at work in unseen ways and always to my benefit. Joseph and Mary were simply doing what they were supposed to do and You sent them two surprise messengers to confirm them in their faith in You. Help me watch today for those You send to me. Let me hear Your voice in their words and take the strength and hope I need for today’s obedience. Amen and Amen.

Song:
Run, Run, Run!
Words and Music: Jimmy and Carol Owens from “The Glory of Christmas”

The Spirit stirs within my heart, He whispers in my ear.
He sings at last, at last He’s come. The Christ of God is here.
Run, run, run, run to hold Him in your arms!
To look into salvation’s eyes and kiss God’s baby Son.

O be consoled Jerusalem, your waiting time is done.
God’s glory rests on Israel. The Light of the world has come.
Run, run, run, run to hold Him in your arms!
To look into salvation’s eyes and kiss God’s baby Son.

Within a tiny frame of flesh all strength and wisdom lie.
The mighty host and lovers of God who bow before Him cry:
Run, run, run, run to hold Him in your arms!
To look into salvation’s eyes and kiss God’s baby Son.

Come see the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings.
The One whose birth joined heaven and earth as Prophet, Priest and King.
Run, run, run, run to hold Him in your arms!
To look into salvation’s eyes and kiss God’s baby Son.

<em>Semper Reformanda!</em>
<em>Stephen Phifer</em>
</div>
<em> © 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved</em>

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 5 “Joseph”

Joseph

Like all men of character, Joseph’s every instinct was to control events where his wife-to-be was concerned.
So far it seemed he was failing at every point;

  • His wife was pregnant and the child wasn’t his.
  • The village gossips had never had such a good time and he had no answer for them.
  • Then, as if all this were not enough, the Romans wanted to count everyone in Israel by their ancestral families.
  • That meant a long trip south to Bethlehem of Judea, the last thing a very pregnant Mary needed.

Nevertheless, he saddled the donkey, and did his best to make Mary comfortable. This was not rapid transit; each roll of the donkey’s backbone felt like it would bring on labor pains. Joseph had his heart set on a comfortable room at one of the inns in or near the City of David.

It was not to be. The only space available was a cave used as a stable. Mary’s time was near. This was all God’s plan and they were in God’s hands. We are not told the details, only that the time came and so did the baby. Mary wrapped Him in warm cloths to keep out the chill and laid Him in a feeding trough. As Mary and the baby Jesus slept, Joseph gave sincere thanks to God for a safe delivery and for Mary’s sweet spirit. She did not seem to blame Joseph for any of these shortcomings.

Shepherds
A group of shepherds lived in the fields near Bethlehem. They watched the sheep as the night wore on like so many others. But this was a night like no other. Light from everywhere lit the night and a brightly shining man, the angel of the Lord, stood before them. He was speaking to them in a strange dialect but as their fear subsided and they listened closely the words became intelligible. It was news of a child born that night in Bethlehem, and not just any child, but Messiah!–Christ, the Lord! As if to document the word of the one angel, the curtain parted between the natural world and the realm of the supernatural. The hosts of heaven assembled over that pasture near Bethlehem, singing at the limit of angel voices:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The startled shepherds could only watch and wonder as the lights and the music peaked and began to subside. When they were gone and the night returned to normal, there was no other thing to do but go to Bethlehem and find this child.

Guided by some unexplained impulse they found the first family in their cave. After gaining entrance from Joseph—surely he could control inquisitive shepherds!—the shepherds worshiped at the manger until one by one they felt the need to tell everyone about the angels and the tiny sleeping Messiah. After they left on this mission, Mary started a mental file on such visitations. Soon the shepherds returned rejoicing and praising God.

Joseph was learning that he was not alone in caring for Mary and the Child.

Scriptures:
Luke: 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me what Joseph had to learn—this isn’t about control. It is about obedience. Help me leave the controls to You and busy myself with the details of obedience. I have not seen angels dancing and heard them singing, but I have heard the voice of Your Spirit in my heart. Help me be a peacemaker and one who spreads good will—the Good News of Your coming! Yes, Lord, yes!

Song:
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Words: Edith Sanford Tillotson and Nahum Tate; Music: G.F. Handel

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,
an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.

2. “Fear not,” said he for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind
“glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.

3. “To you, in David’s town, this day is born of David’s line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign:

4. “The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed,
all simply wrapped in swaddling clothes and in a manger laid.”

5. Thus spoke the angel. Suddenly appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song:

6. “All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace;
to those on whom his favor rests goodwill shall never cease.”

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer 

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.