The Angels’ Song (2)—Good Will - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying "Goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:13-14

The Angels' Song (2)—Good Will
Wise men have thought from what we have seen in creation that God had much goodwill toward man, or else His works would never have been so constructed for their comfort; but I never heard of any man who could risk his soul's peace upon such a faint hope as that.

But I have not only heard of thousands, but I know them, who are quite sure that God has goodwill towards men; and if you ask their reason, they will give a full and perfect answer. They say, He has goodwill toward man for He gave His Son. No greater proof of kindness between the Creator and His subjects can possibly be afforded than when the Creator gives His only begotten and well-beloved Son to die. Poor sinner, you have broken His laws; you are half afraid to come to the throne of His mercy lest He should spurn you; hear this and be comforted: God has goodwill towards men.

You who doubt the Master's love, look to that circle of angels; see their blaze of glory; hear their song, and let your doubts die away in that sweet music and be buried in a shroud of harmony. He has goodwill to men; He is willing to pardon; He passes by iniquity, transgression, and sin. And mark, if Satan shall then add, "But though God has goodwill, yet He cannot violate His justice; therefore, His mercy may be ineffective, and you may die." Then listen to that first note of the song: "Glory to God in the highest," and reply to Satan and all his temptations, that when God shows goodwill to a penitent sinner, there is not only peace in the sinner's heart, but it brings glory to every attribute of God. And so He can be just, and yet justify the sinner, and glorify Himself.

C. H. Spurgeon