On Whom His Favor Rests
Luke 2:14
It is that time of year for everyone in their churches to turn in their Bibles to Luke chapter 2. We read the story. We watch the children’s musical. We watch Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special. We do it all over again. And in doing this we remember the story of our God-King come to Earth, lying in a manger, subject to the fringe of importance because there was no room for them in the inn.
Then the burst of light shines on the hills of Bethlehem. Shepherds hear the announcement of the Savior of the world. These musically talented beings end their musical number with these words:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
I have often wondered what Luke meant to convey with these last words: to those on whom his favor rests. Was there a certain portion of the human population that seemed to have favor before God while others didn’t? Or is he simply saying that God’s favor rests on those humans that reside on earth, everyone?
Let’s go to the Greek. That should clear things up…
Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας.
There, that clears things up… wait.
ok… let’s translate.
Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῷ- glory in the highest to God
καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη- and on earth peace
ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας-in men(humanity) to his favor
UGH!!!! what!? The Greek doesn’t seem to help interpret the meaning much.
So which is it? the favor of God is only on a certain portion of the human population, or is this saying that God’s peace rests on humanity, the very same humanity that has his favor?
The reality is that we can really translate this verse to mean either of these things according to the Greek. Or we could just leave it ambiguous, as many translations opt for doing.
The heart of the interpretation of this passage really rests on how we understand God’s act of redemption. Does God favor a few while hating the others? There are times in the OT where this is the case. Or does God desire peace on all of humanity, because humanity has his favor resting upon them? I think to alleviate this tension we should look at how Jesus understood this. How does Luke intend for us to interpret this passage in light of how he portrays the life, work, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Specifically within the gospel of Luke, what does Jesus say his mission is? To whom does he show favor? To whom does he bestow peace? Who does he come to love and save… maybe lowly shepherds, thieves on crosses, you, and me.
Perhaps this Advent season, we could take our interpretation of this passage and live it out. Showing the peace and favor of God to those around us, giving glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to humanity on which his favor rests. And in so doing may people see the peace offered, repent, and believe the good news.
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The time for waiting is over! The unabridged Advent Devotional is here!!!
Feel free to share this with anyone.
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Announcements:
Invite any youth to attend the 9:45 Youth Group on Sunday Mornings. Daniel and Emily Mendez are leading this.
We are working on creating an Advent Devotional Book written by our church for our church (as well as anyone else that would like to read it). If you are interested in writing a 1-2 page devotional for this advent season, please contact Pastor Steven. We would love to have as many people involved in this as possible.
Coming Soon! Children’ s Christmas Musical! More information will be provided as we get closer to the Christmas season.
Adult Sunday School Classes - 9:45
Youth/Children’s Sunday School Classes -9:45 (Up stairs)
Mitchell and Sarah Davidson are hosting a weekly Bible Study at their house on Thursdays (6-8)
Their address and number are listed below
Trail Life 2-3pm each Sunday
Ask Pastor Steven or Damon Hargraves for more information
Church Weekly Schedule
Sunday worship at 11am
Sunday School at 9:45am
I am teaching through the Gospel According to Matthew
Youth/Children’s Group! Daniel and Emily Mendez are heading up the Youth Group Bible Study at 9:45
Wednesday Prayer Posse 12pm
Thursday Bible Study with Mitchell and Sarah 6-8pm
Mitchell’s cell number: 907-942-0381
address: 1815 E Rezanof Dr.
Trail Life each Sunday from 2-3pm
Pastor Steven’s Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Thursday
I have an open sign (if it is on, I am here)
If I am not in the office at these times, I am meeting with someone
Call or text me 972-921-2516
Email steven@kodiakcbc.org
