Luke 2:8-18 (NIV) 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
As you read, I encourage you to visualize this scene: There are many shepherds exchanging stories. How many shepherds are there? Perhaps there are 10, 20, or maybe 50 or more. They are clustered in a group with their various flocks of sheep grazing in nearby fields. There is no need for fencing since each sheep recognizes its own shepherd’s voice. What did the shepherds see? Suddenly, an angel appears bringing the news of the birth of our Savior. Then what do the shepherds see? A whole host of angels singing! The shepherds immediately search for Christ the Lord, and what do they see? A baby in a manger; but the Shepherds see a long-promised Messiah, the Lord.
Mark 10:46-52 (NIV) 46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timeaus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” 48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Now we fast-forward about 33 years. There is a new scene described in today’s text. Visualize the scene. A blind beggar, so pathetic he is known only as Bartimaeus, “Son of Timaeus,” for he has no name of his own. At least that’s what the crowd saw. The crowd also saw Jesus, a well-known healer and teacher. The disciples saw their leader surrounded by a large crowd.
Yet, blind Bartimaeus saw more than anyone else saw that day. Bartimaeus saw what the shepherds saw—his Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord!
Whether it is Christmas day, or any other day during the year, what (or whom) do you see?
Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,
Christmas Day...EVERY day, open our eyes that we might see Jesus!
In the name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.
The devotion Do You See What I See? was originally written for Sunday, December 25, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
No comments:
Post a Comment