God's Pleasure Toward Men

After the angel proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, the sky was filled with this message:

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!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV).

Let’s break it down.

Why was Jesus born? To bring glory to God in the highest.

When God is glorified, what is the result? Peace on earth.

And how is that peace accomplished? Through goodwill toward men.

The Greek noun for goodwill in Luke 2:14 is similar to the Greek verb for well pleased in Mark 1:11:

Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11 NKJV).

When the Father sees Jesus, He sees a beloved Son. A Son in whom He is well pleased.

Do you know you are a sinner? Do you hate your sin and the misery that it causes in your life? And do you know there is nothing you can do to save yourself?

Do you believe Jesus paid for your sins by dying on the cross? And do you believe He rose again from the dead for your justification and now reigns as King over all things?

If so, when the Father looks at you, He says the same thing He said to Jesus, “You, [insert your name], are My beloved [child], in whom I am well pleased.”

In Jesus, you may feel God’s goodwill/pleasure. Lean into it and enjoy it in every area of your life.

Because feeling God’s pleasure is true peace on earth.

Merry Christmas,
Joseph