But it is of greater benefit finally to us, and much greater glory to God, if we simply accept His Word and learn to walk in the power of it by naked faith; which asks no longer certain ecstasies, but being sure of God's truth because it is His truth, maintains an attitude of faith therein; attitude - a fixed heart.
Appointed Time
But finally God’s appointed time arrived and on that special day the angel was finally able to announce, for unto you is born this day in the city of David – a Saviour. A host of angels rejoiced as they raised their voices in a chorus of excited praise singing, glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of goodwill.
All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)
Power of Sin
And glory to God for the power of sin was also broken in our lives and we have been set free from the dominion and mastery that Satan holds over the race of human-kind, for we no longer live under the requirements of the law – but have gained the freedom of God’s grace.
Two thousand years ago the angels were sent to all men with a message.. a great proclamation of peace: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord: Luke 2:11.. 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.2:11.
This is not a message for those who choose to despise, reject, and denounce Him. The Revised Version puts it this way: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men, with whom He is pleased! (RV)
Faith of Abraham
But what does it actually mean to ‘believe’ – to ‘believe on the name of Jesus’ ? Well Paul cites Abraham as a man of faith – an example of one who believed God. Abraham did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise – but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21
As God’s blood-bought children and as His peculiar representatives on earth, we are required to be faithful witnesses to the One that bought us with His blood, for this gives glory to God and confounds the kingdom of Satan.
His desire was to bring glory to God alone, Who picked Paul up out of his own legalistic religiosity, and brought him out of darkness of the Law, into His glorious light of the gospel of grace.
This would also include the hosts of angels, like the heavenly chorus who sang on Bethlehem's hillside, glory to God the highest, at the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our situation in life is in His hands and no matter what life throws at us or what difficulties we face – God will take them all and use everything in the lives of all believers to work together for our eternal good, so that it will bring glory to God - when we are fitting into His perfect plan for our lives.
They were tending their flock on the Judean hillside, when they heard the amazing announcement and saw a host of angels lighting up the night sky, and uniting their voices in a wonderful, celestial song of praise - glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, to men of goodwill, they sang.
We can allow ourselves to be a slave to sin or a servant of righteousness - to yield to the temptation and dishonour God by sinning OR to resist the temptation and give glory to God by resisting the temptation.
What an exquisite sound must have greeted their ears, when that immense celestial chorus, joined that angelic messenger, as the entire host of angels, lit up the night sky, and broke forth into their thrilling song of rejoicing - glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men - with whom God is pleased.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men - MEN, with whom God is pleased.
Glory to God in the highest heaven was the hymn that the angels sang at Christ's birth, and it continues... 'peace on earth, goodwill to men, or more accurately it should read... goodwill to men of peace - God's blessing on those that have made peace with God, by faith in Christ.
It must have been terrifying to have been visited by this angelic being, and to witness the sudden arrival of a great host of angels, who radiated the magnificence of God, and sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth - to men of goodwill.
Angels sing their holy song to God while the heavens rejoice; the earth is joyful; trees clap their hands and the very stones proclaim of the glory to God for He is full of grace and truth; His splendour and majesty are ever before Him and His strength and beauty is in His holy temple.
True ministers encourage one another and seek after that which is good, which brings glory to God. The godly minister rejoices in the Lord, prays without ceasing and gives thanks in everything - knowing that this is God's will for all His children.
