The Second Day of Christmas
Scripture reading: Luke 1:35-38 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?
Reflection: The “two turtle doves” in the traditional carol causes us to give thought that in Scripture the number two speaks to the peace and the subsequent blessing that comes when we are in agreement with God and each other. The Gospel of Luke shares the marvelous narrative between the angel and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Luke’s words reveal to us that Mary’s agreement with God was part of God’s solution to the self-centered narcissism brought into the world by the disagreement and disobedience of Adam and Eve. While the enemy’s goal is always to divide and conquer, God’s goal is for us to be at peace and in agreement with Him, His Word and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, are in complete unity. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does (John 5:19). He also said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). These Scriptures teach us the Godhead is total agreement.
The figurative uses of the word AGREE in the Scripture makes it of special interest. The Greek word for agree is sumphoneo, from which is translated as our word symphony, meaning a harmonious blending. The various sections and individual musicians within a symphony must be committed to agreement.
It becomes very obvious if one of the musicians is not fully committed to the intricate timing and precision needed to play their part. It is only when everyone participates in harmony together that the beauty of the written notes come to life for everyone to hear.
Such is the harmonious blending of the will and purposes of the Trinity. The Father and the Son, agree. The Word and the Spirit, agree. Jesus taught his disciples to agree as well. In Matthew 18:19-20 Jesus said, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
I Chronicles 19:12 speaks to how agreement provides protection for others. The leader of David's army Joab went out to battle against the Ammonites. The Ammonites had enlisted the Syrians in the battle. The Ammonites and Syrians surrounded the army of Israel. Joab divided his army in two and put one half under his brother, Abishai, and the other half he commanded. The two halves stood back to back and faced their enemies. These were Joab’s words to Abishai: Then he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me: but if the people of Amman are too strong for you, then I will help you.”
Mutual protection was also the reason Jesus sent His disciples forth two by two. Going together enabled them to agree in prayer and protect one another as covenant brothers against the attack of doubt, fear or unbelief.
Agreement is also a necessary element of strength and blessing.
Two are better than one, because they encourage and strengthen each other. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls. For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV
I urge you to come into agreement with God today. Say to Him as Mary did, be it unto me according to Thy Word. Memorize and seek practice Psalm 133:1-3 which says, How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there (the unity) the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Prayer: I agree with You my Lord. I seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. SECOND, I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit in agreeing with and obeying Your Word. I hide Your Word in my heart so I do not sin against You. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I am led and guided in paths of right thinking and living as I agree with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.