After the birth of Jesus God sent an angel to appear to the shepherds in the field.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2: 8-11
Of all the people God could have chosen to share the good news of Christ’s birth He sent an angel to appear to shepherds. I’m so glad He chooses to use ordinary people. He meets us right where we are in the fields of our everyday life and allows us to share in His good news!
Those ordinary shepherds were “keeping watch over their flocks.” Who has God placed under your care? What flock are you watching over? We should be careful not to become so focused on our own flock that we lose sight of the revelation of His good news. We cannot allow the bleating of our own sheep keep us from hearing the voice of God.
Can you reflect on the specific ways God has revealed good news in your own life? Has he proven Himself to be your God of provision? Did you receive hope in a hopeless situation? Did you experience a tremendous loss and He has not left you nor forsaken you? Have His mercies been new every morning? Has He blessed you with more than you deserve? Has He redeemed you from the pit? Has He satisfied your desires?
Be sure to step away from your flock to share the good news with others!
Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
EDITED – Originally written for Immanuel Baptist Church 2016
Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash