12-23-05 Luke 2:13, 14

Luke 2:13, 14 (KJ21)
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, good will toward men!"

Luke 2:13, 14 (NAS)
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Luke 2:13, 14 (NIVUS)
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:13, 14(NLT)
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

Have you ever been confronted with an angel? If not, can you imagine how you would feel and respond to such an unusual and awe inspiring event? Can you imagine how the shepherds felt on that wonderful night when the Lord Jesus was born? Perhaps they were just getting used to one angel, the messenger of God, speaking to them, when suddenly and unexpectedly something else happened. In a blink of an eye the one angel was joined by a multitude of the heavenly host; there were so many that the whole sky was filled with these glorious beings.

These servants of the Most High appeared to praise, extol, and honor God. Over and over they proclaimed His greatness; they lauded and affirmed that Adonai's will had been accomplished in the earth. The Lord God allowed them to speak forth His promise. They cried, "Glory to God in the Highest." They knew God's splendor, excellence, and majesty and they freely proclaimed that to men.

Even though God is the Supreme Ruler of the earth, the angels spoke to the shepherds of God's heart towards mankind. They declared the peace that had come through the birth of the Savior. He came to bring salvation and tranquility to the souls of men. Through the Lord, men could have security, safety, prosperity, and joy. This multitude spoke of God's good will towards men. They knew that the Heavenly Father did not extend ill will, but goodness, kindness, and benevolence to those of the earth.

When you chose Yeshua as your Messiah and Jesus as your Lord, you became a partaker of Adonai's good will that the angels declared. You need not fear God's wrath, for He is satisfied and takes pleasure in you. He wants you to fare well and prosper. And that is good news!