The Shepherds
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8
I was impressed to write about the shepherds today. The only problem is I don’t know much about shepherds. So, I asked the LORD, “LORD, why did You send the angels to shepherds as the first people to get the news of Jesus’ birth?” To me they have always seemed like an unlikely group to be chosen to spread the word for such an important event. As I thought about shepherds in general, I considered, “maybe because they are diligent to watch over their sheep or maybe because they were faithful to stay with their flock to keep them all in one place?” However, all of my considerations didn’t answer my question. I thought, “maybe I will do a little research on shepherds so I can begin to understand them more?” Then my next thought was, “no, I will just let God reveal what I need to know.” Suddenly, it hit me that Shepherd is another name we call Pastors and Pastors shepherd their “sheep”. Pastors also preach the good news of the gospel.
So, if we look at today’s scripture passage, that is exactly what the shepherds did. First, they went to the place where Jesus was and met Him, then they made widely known the things that were told them concerning their Savior. Their message caused many to marvel and wonder about the things the shepherds said. That is exactly what happens today. God appoints and anoints Pastors to make widely known the gospel concerning our Savior and that anointing on their words causes all who hear to think about the message and receive it.
God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent the angels to the shepherds. He planned for them to be His ministers of the good news that Messiah had come. Lastly, they rejoiced because of the great news and because they were chosen to spread that news. This celebration solidified the message in their hearts so that they would have the confidence and boldness to proclaim this good news to all.
Today I want to encourage you this Christmas season to appreciate your Pastor for the anointing and message he has received from God. Send him a card or gift to show your grateful heart for watching over and keeping you as part of the flock and for his diligent and faithful service in the work of the ministry.
Today’s scripture reading: Luke 2:8-20
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
The Daily Dose 