 photo by Odalaigh - FlickrA Shepherd's Christmas “Now when the shepherds had seen the baby Jesus, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17). Why did God choose the shepherds to spread the news of the Savior's birth? Why not soldier's or Government rulers or the Religious rulers? Regardless of whom we might have chosen, it was the shepherds who were the very first ones to hear the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. God purposely chose the common people, the lower caste, and the least likely to have the means to spread the news far and wide. It was a stroke of genius. If you travel to foreign countries today, you may still see shepherds herding their goats and sheep down the roads. Traffic stops, people patiently or impatiently wait for them to cross the road, and the shepherds hurry their flock along with shouts and a touch from their stick. For us foreign visitors, it is a bit like traveling back through time. What was God thinking by choosing common, ordinary young men?
God wants the world to know that the gospel is for every caste, every nation, every person... thus he picked the shepherds. It isn’t a rich man’s or poor man’s gospel... it isn’t an educated gospel. It is ... “good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10). Do you hear what I hear? He said the gospel is for ALL people! And to whom does God give this awesome assignment of spreading His good news? To shepherds... common humans like you and I. And what happened? The shepherds spread the news of His birth widely! They came through... they scored.... God was right. He chose wisely. And whom will God use today? People that humble themselves and say use me. You and I are his first-round draft picks... His A-Team. In fact, He doesn’t have a B-Team. Tag... you are it! Merry Christmas! This is an adaptation of the Oasis Ministries Evangelist Tom Elie's Christmas letter ~ Oasis Ministries Plant churches and provide fresh water wells~ |
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