Tag: son

July 6 – Begotten for God’s Glory

“I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.” – Psalm 2:7-8 (ESV)

Psalm 1 and 2 haven’t any title or notations about the author. Sometimes, comparing “blessed” in Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 2:12, these songs are said to share in the role of introducing the Psalter. “You are my Son” in verse 7  recalls 2 Samuel 7:8–16 and is the only Old Testament reference to the Father/Son relationship in the Trinity; a relationship decreed in eternity past and demonstrated in the incarnation ⸺ a major message of the New Testament. But it appears seven times in the Gospels. Once in Acts and quoted directly twice in the letter to the Hebrews. It’s an affirmation, a promise, an announcement from Heaven by God our Father on two occasions (the baptism of Jesus and when He appeared with Moses and Elijah while He was transfigured on the mountain.). Thus, recorded six times in the first three Gospels. Treasured by believers, in 1740 Charles Jennens, George Fredrick Handel’s friend included these words in the libretto he wrote from scripture for Handel’s Messiah ⸺ 18 months before Handel actually composed the music. Often heard at Christmastime, we’re reminded of it now for in July, only six months until Christmas when many start their countdown.

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December 17– It Was Because


“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1:31-32a (ESV)

During this Christmas season, we sing about the message which the angels told to the shepherds near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born.  But today’s verse tells us that before that, God’s angels had been busy. His angels were sent with messages about the coming of Jesus. God had even sent His angel to announce the birth of John who would proceed the Messiah. In today’s verse from the Gospel of Luke, we read the record about the angel Gabriel who came to Mary earlier. When the same angel came later to Joseph who was to be Mary’s husband, he also mentioned why God had chosen the name Jesus for the child who was to be born.  It was because He would save His people from their sins. Both of these angels’ messages, before the child was to be born, are important to us. Jesus was coming in order to be our Savior. We should rejoice today that God sent His Son to save us. It was an important message given before He came.  It is just as important today. God promised to provide a way for us to be saved and Jesus is that Way.

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