Read Luke 2:8-20
Shepherds have been a part of Israel’s history from the beginning. Their most famous king, King David, had been a shepherd before being anointed by God for the throne. From his experiences as a shepherd, he wrote the very popular Twenty Third Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd.” However, it goes much further back to Jacob, from whom Israel derives its name. (God had changed his name after radically changing his character.) Jacob/Israel told his son, “God has been my shepherd all my life.” (Genesis 48:15) He too had been a shepherd.
You would think that shepherds would have been held in high regards. However, by the time of Christ’s birth, they were outsiders (literally). They were not able to keep all the laws of cleanliness and daily rituals, thus religiously shunned. Socially, they were minimized. It is quite possible, that these shepherds, working in the fields between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, were taking care of the temple flocks owned by the priesthood that were sold and used for sacrifices. Even though they provided a much needed service, they were minimally paid to perform it.
These men, of various ages, had been raised on God’s word. They knew God promised to send a Messiah. And from childhood they had heard stories about angels bringing God’s message to His people. Obviously, in their wildest dreams, they never imagined that it would happen to them. Their fearful reactions are understandable. Yet God had been preparing them their whole life to bring them to Jesus. He continues to work that way to bring people to Himself: Bible stories heard at home and church, a family history of faith, a culture that respects religious belief and teaching. God is in no way limited to working this way, but it is one of His favorites.
In the middle of their every day life, God sought them out. But they too had to seek Him. The angel knew exactly where this precious child laid. He could have given them specific directions. Instead, they were told, “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and laying in a manger.” If they looked, they would find Him. They were given the opportunity, but it remained their choice. The promise still stands “Seek the Lord, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)
And so they went searching. They checked every feed trough they could find. It took effort and desire. They “found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.” They told Mary and Joseph about the angels’ visit. For this couple it was a confirmation that this seemingly ordinary birth truly was a divine event. They had someone to share their joy after all. But the shepherds didn’t stop there. They couldn’t keep it to themselves. They told everyone and anyone what they had seen, heard and experienced. “And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.”
Though they went back to their ordinary job of being a shepherd, things were different. They were different. “The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Finding this precious baby that left the throne of heaven and was laid in a manger will do that to you.
Making It Personal
Do you identify with the shepherds, feeling on the outside of society? How does it make you feel that God went to special effort to include them in all of this?
How did God prepare you to find Jesus?
Why do you think desire and effort is required in the process?
What was your response the first time you encountered God’s incredible love and grace in His Son, Jesus?
Is that still your response?
What difference has finding this precious baby had in your life?
What impact has your finding Christ had on those you encounter in life?
