Like a Shepherd

Yesterday, I shared a portion of Luke 2 with you, and God took me back to that reading this morning. In case you missec it, here it is:

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 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: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived." (Luke 2:1-21 NIV)

As I reflected on this passage, I found myself drawn to the shepherds. The shepherd's job was a hard and lonely one that often required them to spend much time out with the sheep in the midst of the elements. Their job was to guard, protect and care for the sheep that were entrusted to their care- even if it came at great cost.

In the midst of the fields, on a quiet night, they awed when the night sky- normally filled with stars- filled, instead, with the glory of heaven announcing the birth of a king, their king. They, were the first eyes to see majesty wrapped in newborn soft skin and to know that the Savior had come!

God interrupted His faithful children in an ordinary night, and gave them an incredible gift- Jesus. They were just hard working, normal men who are very much like you and me. This revelation shows that this King wasn't just for nobles, but a King for all- for you, for me. God met them in the fields around a small town named Bethlehem, and they were forever changed. They left giving praise and glory to the Father because when you have a meeting with God, and you catch a glimpse of His Glory, your lips can't help but praise Him!

Friend, He has done the same for me. He met me in the fields of my sin and showed me His incredible glory in the form of His precious, babe son. With the shadow of a cross across His brow, the babe grew into the Savior of my world. How can I not praise my King?

My friend, we are like the shepherds living a life out in the "spiritual elements" of this world. Sometimes we feel lonely as we fight the tide of the enemy swirling at our feet. Friend, remember when God met you in your field of sin and let Him give you a new praise song to sing! He is our Savior wrapped in newborn flesh scarred by the nails of our redemption and how can we not praise Him?