The Babe In The Manger

[Webers_Home]

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● Luke 2:1-12a . . Now it came about in those days that a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This
was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all
were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city.

. . . And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the
house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was
engaged to him, and was with child.

. . . And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed
for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she
wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no
room for them in the inn.

● Luke 2:1-12b. . . And in the same region there were some shepherds
staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an
angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

. . . And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the
city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find the babe wrapped in cloths, and
lying in a manger.

The koiné Greek word for "savior' is soter (so-tare') which means a
rescuer. Most everybody has seen rescuers in action at one time or another,
e.g. Fireman, Cops, Emergency Medical teams, snow patrols, mountain
rescue units, and the Coast Guard. Rescuers typically help people to safety
who are in grave danger and/or distress and completely helpless to do
anything about it.

Just how useful would the savior of Luke 2:8-12 really be if he couldn't
guarantee a fail-safe, sin proof, commandment proof, human-error proof,
God proof rescue from the wrath of God and full time protection from
retribution? He'd be no savior at all; he'd be more like a coach or a manager
than a rescuer.

But if instead, the savior announced by the angel guarantees anybody who
wants it, a completely free of charge, no strings attached, fail-safe, sin
proof, commandment proof, human-error proof, God proof rescue from the
wrath of God, and full-time protection from retribution; wouldn't he qualify
as good news of great joy? I think everyone would have to agree with me
that a savior like that would not only most certainly be good news; but also
cause for celebration.
_

 

[Webers_Home]

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● Luke 2:25-31 . . Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who
was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and
the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the
Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

. . .When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the
custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised; dismiss now your servant in
peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in
the sight of all people.

The Greek word for "salvation" in Simeon's prayer is soterion (so-tay'-ree
on) which basically means defender. In this case, it's no doubt speaking of a
public defender; viz: a court-appointed attorney.

God could charge for Jesus' service, but in His kindness, any fee He might
have charged is waived; and everyone, regardless of their income level
and/or social status, qualifies for assistance.

● John 6:37-38 . . All that the Father gives me will come to me, and
whoever comes to me I will certainly not refuse.

"Whoever" is a pretty big word. It leaves nobody out in the cold with
nowhere else to turn.

Q: Defends against what?

A: Rev 20:11-15 depicts a courtroom scene to which people will be
subpoenaed to appear and answer charges against them.

Q: So? What can Jesus do for me; make sure I get a fair trial before being
thrown alive and screaming into the lake of fire depicted in that scene?

A: Should you enlist Jesus for legal aid, he knows how to get any and all
charges against you dropped; so that on the books, it will appear as if
you've always been nothing less than 100% innocent. In other words: Jesus
knows a perfectly legitimate way to get his clients acquitted regardless of
the severity of their sins against God and Man.
_

 

[101G]

I think everyone would have to agree with me
that a savior like that would not only most certainly be good news; but also
cause for celebration.

I wouldn't agree more. this is why the wise men came and worshiped God, and gave gifts.

Luke 2:25-31 . . Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who
was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and
the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the
Spirit, he went into the temple courts.
.................................................
The Greek word for "salvation" in Simeon's prayer is soterion (so-tay'-ree
on) which basically means defender. In this case, it's no doubt speaking of a
public defender; viz: a court-appointed attorney.

I like it when people are looking up words and getting a "proper" understanding of them. just as in "Salvation" here, it goes hand in hand with the word "consolation" in verse 25. these two words describe exactly what you're saying about complete salvation.

let's look at this word "consolation" and see it's revelations.
G3874 παράκλησις paraklesis (pa-ra'-klee-sis) n.
1. an imploration, entreaty (urgent request (for mercy or help)).
2. an exhortation (urgent counsel, encouragement, or caution).
3. a comfort, solace.
[from G3870]
KJV: comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty
Root(s): G3870

Someone who gives comfort is a "COMFORTER"
Someone who gives help is a "Helper"
Someone who gives mercy is a "intercessor" on behalf of another
Someone who gives counsel is a " Counsellor" or as you said, a "Lawyer", or an advocate, who is the counsel for the defence.

all of this is describing the HOLY SPIRIT/HOLY GHOST.
G3875 παράκλητος parakletos (pa-ra'-klee-tos) n.
1. (properly) one called near (to give help).
2. an intercessor (one who entreats of behalf of another).
3. a comforter.
KJV: advocate, comforter
The advocate?, yes, Jesus the Christ, supportive scripture,
1 John 2:1 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

here we have Jesus the Christ as the "HOLY SPIRIT".
for the Holy Spirit, which is the "consolation" or the comfort of Israel, that came first in flesh, per Luke 2:25 above. the term Advocate means Holy Spirit/Comforter.

and returned on Pentecost, after his death burial and resurrection, as the "ANOTHER" comforter, (per Joh 14:16-18), now without flesh, but in the power of the Spirit and giving gifts to all men.

so Webers_Home, you're correct. JESUS, the Saviour of the World, the HOLY SPIRIT, is the Salvation that Simeon held in his arms, and is that consolation of Israel, "IN FLESH".

be blessed.