As It Was Told

[0:00] A pastor's reflections, as it was told, Luke 2.20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. John 16, 12, and 13.

[0:15] I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. John 16, 4. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. In Luke 2.20, the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night have just returned to those flocks after having seen and experienced some truly amazing events. The angelic news they have received led to an opportunity for them to be among the very first people to welcome the Messiah into the world. With hearts full of rejoicing, they then proceed to spread abroad this good news in the coming days. Imagine the stir they must have caused in Bethlehem.

[1:06] Did Mary and Joseph then have to entertain many a curious visitor? Were there those that even at this time accepted and believed the news that Messiah was come? We don't know. But as exciting as these events all are, I think one of the most exciting things is to see the response that these Bethlehem herdsmen had to the word of God coming to pass in their lives. They returned to their daily routine and nightly task of tending sheep with hearts full of rejoicing. And yet their rejoicing was not just for all the things that they had seen and experienced. No, the true source of their joy came from the proclaimed word of God being fulfilled just as it was told unto them.

[1:52] After all, how much did these shepherds actually know? Even more, how much did they not know of all that was taking place? Did they know that Messiah was to suffer and die for their sins? Did they know that the beautiful little baby in the manger would one day be rejected and maligned by men?

[2:12] The reality is there was a whole lot more to be told than the little information that these shepherds had. But what they had was enough. Good news of great joy. How often do we rack our minds over the unknown instead of resting in what we do know? How often do we let ourselves be robbed of a heart of worship for what God has done because we want to know what he still has left to do?

[2:41] And how often do we forget to rejoice in what we have already been told? Good news of great joy. Isaiah 52, 7. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace, that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation, that says unto Zion, Thy God reigns. Today, know that what you know is enough. God does not require of you more than he has given you. If there is more to be known, more to be told, then rest in the fact that he will make that known in his time. Like the shepherds, let's today rejoice in what we have been told.

[3:26] Luke 2, 10 and 11. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day a Savior. Jesus, thank you that not only is my past covered by you, but my future is as well. Help me today to rejoice in all that has been told me. Help me to rejoice in a future that has already been spoken by you. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

[4:05] Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.