Invited To Play a Part
Luke 2:8-20 (NCV)
That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”
Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying:
“Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.”
When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.”
So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a feeding trough. When they had seen him, they told what the angels had said about this child. Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them. Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.
Reflection
The life of a shepherd during biblical times was hard. Their lives centered around the sheep; keeping them watered and well fed, making sure none wandered away from the flock, and being ever watchful so that no harm came to them. It was a lonely, isolated life. In addition to the hardships of the life, shepherds were very poor and considered of the lowest cultural status.
Why, then, did God announce the birth of our Savior to the shepherds and not the rich and influential in society? Surely the rich people would have gotten the word out and reached more people. But, as we have come to understand, our God is unpredictable and full of surprises. Perhaps God saved this moment in time to remind all of humanity that everyone counts in His kingdom. Or perhaps God wanted to announce the birth of Jesus to a group of people who He knew would be joyful, but also reverent and awestruck by the news. A group of people dismissed by society as lowly, poor, and unimportant, but rich in faith and obedience to God.
The angels who came to the shepherds that night said:
“Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God” (verse 14).
What did the shepherds do after they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus? They shared what the angels had told them about the coming of the Messiah, then they returned to watching their flocks, all the while:
“praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard” (verse 20).
Yes, as lowly shepherds, they held no place in the cultural prominence of their day, but they were among the people “who please God” and were chosen by Him to be witness to this very momentous and holy event. God invites everyone to play a part in His kingdom. Some readily accept His invitation, while others choose to decline it. Let’s make sure we RSVP with a resounding, “Yes”!
Action Steps
1. We should take from this chapter in history that everyone counts in the eyes of God. There is no one too low in status, too poor, or too inconsequential that God doesn’t love them and won’t use them to further His kingdom. Is there someone in your life who is struggling and needs to hear this message? Pray for them as you read this and make a plan to share the news of God’s abiding love and grace with them.
2. Set a goal that sometime this week, you will say something kind and encouraging to someone you come in contact with. It may be just what they need at exactly the right moment!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You have made room for everyone in Your kingdom. Through Your word, and the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ, You make it abundantly clear that You love all of us equally and want us to know we are valued by You. Lord, help me to always remember this, as I strive to see everyone through Your eyes, and help me develop a love for all I come in contact with. Amen.
That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”
Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying:
“Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.”
When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.”
So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a feeding trough. When they had seen him, they told what the angels had said about this child. Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them. Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.
Reflection
The life of a shepherd during biblical times was hard. Their lives centered around the sheep; keeping them watered and well fed, making sure none wandered away from the flock, and being ever watchful so that no harm came to them. It was a lonely, isolated life. In addition to the hardships of the life, shepherds were very poor and considered of the lowest cultural status.
Why, then, did God announce the birth of our Savior to the shepherds and not the rich and influential in society? Surely the rich people would have gotten the word out and reached more people. But, as we have come to understand, our God is unpredictable and full of surprises. Perhaps God saved this moment in time to remind all of humanity that everyone counts in His kingdom. Or perhaps God wanted to announce the birth of Jesus to a group of people who He knew would be joyful, but also reverent and awestruck by the news. A group of people dismissed by society as lowly, poor, and unimportant, but rich in faith and obedience to God.
The angels who came to the shepherds that night said:
“Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God” (verse 14).
What did the shepherds do after they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus? They shared what the angels had told them about the coming of the Messiah, then they returned to watching their flocks, all the while:
“praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard” (verse 20).
Yes, as lowly shepherds, they held no place in the cultural prominence of their day, but they were among the people “who please God” and were chosen by Him to be witness to this very momentous and holy event. God invites everyone to play a part in His kingdom. Some readily accept His invitation, while others choose to decline it. Let’s make sure we RSVP with a resounding, “Yes”!
Action Steps
1. We should take from this chapter in history that everyone counts in the eyes of God. There is no one too low in status, too poor, or too inconsequential that God doesn’t love them and won’t use them to further His kingdom. Is there someone in your life who is struggling and needs to hear this message? Pray for them as you read this and make a plan to share the news of God’s abiding love and grace with them.
2. Set a goal that sometime this week, you will say something kind and encouraging to someone you come in contact with. It may be just what they need at exactly the right moment!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You have made room for everyone in Your kingdom. Through Your word, and the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ, You make it abundantly clear that You love all of us equally and want us to know we are valued by You. Lord, help me to always remember this, as I strive to see everyone through Your eyes, and help me develop a love for all I come in contact with. Amen.
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