“Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 13-14 AMP
In reading the account of the announcement of the coming of Christ I see a very interesting phrase; “And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Strange that since the garden of Eden the relationship between man and Gid had been under great strain. Sin had disrupted the communication and fellowship lines since in God’s presence can be no sin! Man was struggling and wallowing in his depraved state eternal separated from God. If this tension existed, how could God be pleased with man? The word “well-please” is an uncommon Greek word that was used exclusively in religious texts. The root of this word is found in the Hebrew language which it means “the pleasure, grace or good-will of God toward His subjects.” It is not based upon the human emotion or actions but wholly on the giver of the grace! There is an interesting verse in the book of Proverbs.
“In the light of a king’s face [is] life, “” And his goodwill [is] as a cloud of the spring rain.” Proverbs 16:15 LSV
That night, the King’s face was shining brightly as the plan of redeeming mankind was finally in motion! The rain of His love was about to fall on the dry and weary land of the human race! From the very beginning God had a plan to redeem man back to himself and rescue him from a life of sin and sadness! No wonder the heavens were abounding with light and good news. Millennia had past as the Father loving waited for the day His creation could find their way home! Notice also that the good news was to ALL MEN. There isn’t a person who ever lived that the grace and good-will of God wasn’t made available. John wrote about this great love in his first Epistle.
“By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [that is, the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering] for our sins [fulfilling God’s requirement for justice against sin and placating His wrath]. 11Beloved, if God so loved us [in this incredible way], we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11 AMP
In his Gospel the Apostle gives us the underlying motivation that God had for such a great sacrifice.
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 AMP
Take time this season to remember that there can now be peace between God and man! Have you entered His rest? Have you found the one who is searching for you? If not, reach your hand toward heaven and her Him say, “My grace is sufficient for you!” Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken