Those He is Pleased With

14"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2)

This verse had me stumped at first glance. Were the angels saying peace to all men on earth because God's favor rests on all mankind? or were they saying that peace would be given to those who God favored? It could be interpreted both ways when we read the NIV. So I had to put in a call to my favorite Theologian (my dad)- who just happened to be preaching on this exact passage this coming Sunday. Isn't God great?!

My dad confirmed my curiosities.  "On whom favor rests" is actually all translated from one word that means "to consider, regard, seam(as) well done!" This verse reads a little more accurately in the New International Reader's Version (for kids :D ).

 14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven!
      And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!"  (Luke 2)

Does God want peace on the whole earth? Definitely!

How to we get peace? by being right with God.

Who is God pleased with? those who are right with Him

Does He want everyone to be right with Him? Absolutely!

Salvation is being preached here! "If you are right with God, He is pleased with you - and you will have peace! This is now all possible because the Christ has come to save you!"  

Yippee!

With the kids: Work on memorizing this verse with your kids today, and see how far you can get.

Memorizing: Luke 2:14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven!

      And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!"