Dec 26: The Shepherds
Read Luke 2:8-20.
Let’s consider for a second what this narrative would have been like if God had chosen to give His angelic pronouncement to those who were maybe expected to receive such an honor.
Maybe the Jewish leaders were convening outside the temple, worshiping in opulent robes, surrounded by gold and jewels. The angels would have appeared and worshiped alongside them, confirming for the religious elite that the Savior was here, according to the Scriptures. Perhaps they would have rushed straight to bring Jesus out of the nasty stable and into the nicest house in town. Maybe they would have showered Him in gifts and raised Him in riches. This is King Jesus, right?! The prince treatment seems appropriate!
But, that’s not how God allowed the story to unravel. Instead, God sent His wondrous choir of angels to appear to some stinky, uneducated, unimportant shepherds.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”
Luke 2:8–10
We can almost picture it. A young shepherd boy sitting next to His dad, resting their backs against a tree as they almost mindlessly watched their sheep graze, squinting to see them in the dark. Then, all of the sudden, the sky lights up and music like they’ve never heard fills the hillside. Do you think they realized the weight of the moment? Do you think they knew it would be immortalized in Scripture forever? Did they know they were the only people who God had chosen to tell about the birth of His only son?
You see, this moment is foundational in our understanding of the character of God. He chose the most unlikely, the least important, and the marginalized to hear the best announcement ever. It’s as though earthly success, wealth, and popularity has no weight in the Kingdom of God. The biggest news in the history of the world was entrusted to these shepherds. God let His glory fall on those pastures and they, of course, ran to see the King and to tell everyone they could about it.
Often, we try to work to be chosen by God. We feel like we have to earn His attention or His affection. We beg to be used by Him, hoping we have lived a way that would lead Him to let His favor fall on us. But it’s moments like this in the Word that make us wonder if we have it all wrong. What if God already chose you before you were impressive? What if He saw you before you washed the mess off your skin, before you had done anything for His kingdom? What if that ‘qualified’ person you envy is actually no more loved and cherished by God than you in your worst moments?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:3–6
This message is for the girl who counted herself out a long time ago. You’re not disqualified; you’re blessed.
Pray: God, thank you for choosing the unlikely to witness your glory.
Further Study: We can find shepherd imagery all over the Bible! Read Psalm 23 and meditate on what it might mean for you today.
Interact: Let’s recap Christmas! How did yesterday go? Did it fit your expectations? Share with your community below!
