The Shepherds

The Shepherds

Today’s Passage: Luke 2:8-19

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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: (8-12a)

Words of Devotion from the Scripture

Most of us are quite familiar with nativity scenes, whether in pictures, small figurines or “live” nativity scenes featuring real people and animals. My favorite part of the nativity is the Shepherds. Simple and Non-important but yet they had a “Great Message” to share.

 People tend to think of shepherds the way they are portrayed in our modern presentations—clean, well-groomed, and handsome. I have nothing against nativity scenes, but the ancient reality is much different. 

We hear much about shepherds in the Bible. Jesus even referred to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:11. The role of the shepherd was well-known, but this does not mean it was highly regarded or prestigious work (especially during Jesus’ time). Just think about what they did—spending days or even weeks as outcasts from society. Luke 2:8 clearly states that these men were “living out in fields.” 

I find it interesting that God chose to make the first angelic announcement to these outcasts. What if something like this happened here? What if God bypassed missionaries, pastors, and priests and instead sent His announcement to a group of cab drivers?

We serve a God who is not impressed by our titles, not even the religious ones. The shepherds had little to offer by worldly standards—I see only two characteristics:

First, the shepherds had a simple faith. They trusted the angels’ message completely.

 

Second, they had a simple life. They were not too busy to respond to the angels’ announcement. 

Again the shepherds were simple faith and lived a simple life. Perhaps we should also strive for these qualities.