Ever see one of those signs that says "DIP", only they put it right next to the dip and you hit the dip while you're reading the sign? One comedian once said they should put it after, finding it more valuable as explanation than in warning. "Whoa, what was that? OH, the sign says it was a dip! Ah!"
Anyway, it's 9:27 on Saturday night, and for issues beyond my control but entirely my fault (aka I wrote it two days ago but never hit the send button), here is your "DIP" foreWORD for the morning--you know, 12 hours from now. Well, if nothing else, those who can't be with us can get some fellowship with us on this topic.
We're in Matthew 1 this week and talking of the birth of Christ. As a foreWORD to the discussion I'd like to jump to Luke. We know this verse by heart. Pasted below is the Linus version (Charlie Brown Christmas) with the Greek words embedded. Decide for yourself if you want to have a spotlight and security blanket wrapped around your head while you read it:
Glory δοξα to God θεος in εν the highest υψιστος, and και on επι earth γη peace ειρηνη, good will ευδοκια toward εν men ανθρωπος.
Note highlighted the words "good will". In Greek, eudokia . Now look at several other translations of the same verse. I'll paste a couple below, but to see a much wider array, go to Bible Gateway
Glory to God in the
highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!
The original sources of these translations differ, but just looking at the words on the page, which one seems closest to the word choices? Which makes the most sense from what you know of the Living God?
Let's not stop there. Let's look at the same word in other verses. See if a tone starts rising.
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.
Ephesians 1:5-12 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.
The original sources of these translations differ, but just looking at the words on the page, which one seems closest to the word choices? Which makes the most sense from what you know of the Living God?
Let's not stop there. Let's look at the same word in other verses. See if a tone starts rising.
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.
Ephesians 1:5-12 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The good pleasure of His goodness, the good pleasure as an outflow of His work in us to will and to do, the good pleasure of His adoption of us in Christ...seems to me His good pleasure of receiving us who have no ability to save ourselves is evidence of His favor resting on us who are saved that the One who gave Himself to save us might be glorified in our pursuing with all abandon our own good pleasure in Him.
Maybe another way to ask. Who's favor is it? His. Who's good pleasure is it? yes. If God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him, then His good pleasure in me leads to my good pleasure in Him as all satisfying, and that is more glorifying than the whole heavenly host speaking His praises. For I am living His praise by pursuing Him as my salvation, rescue, joy, peace, hope, and eternal satisfaction.
Ever wonder why God commanded us to love Him? Doesn't that seem contradictory? But it's not. He commands us to love Him because we wouldn't do it otherwise, in fact we're incapable without Him giving us the ability and demonstrating it by loving us first. And loving Him is far exceedingly great and more precious than anything else He could give His creation. Giving us the opportunity to love Him who is perfect in all ways is the message behind the message of sending His Son. Likewise, enjoying loving Him is the message behind the message of loving Christmas.
Now for homework, ask yourself, "who has the peace, is it with God or among the people, and what people?" In the meantime, I hope to see you all Sunday when we'll just scratch the surface on a few more powerful questions:
Does the Bible tell us to celebrate His birth?
Did Jesus start His life on Christmas or before then?
Did Jesus come here to find humility or did He bring it with Him?
See y'all there. Be blessed.
Tim
PS Remember the gospel of 'sweat'? Well, the afterWORD this week will be the gospel of the 'blue string' if I can remember to send it. Maybe someone should remind me.
