Grief

Why the Lowly Shepherds?

by Roland Crim
01/20/17
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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.” Luke 2:8-14 NIV

The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ was born! The word of this needed to get out! Why did not God choose someone of importance, someone with influence, someone who could issue a proclamation about the birth of this child to the world? Would not the word of what had occurred been better spread in this manner? God did not choose someone of importance, as those are ones who are concerned about themselves, or those they serve. How would they have had time for a lowly child born in a place of animals and lying in a manger?

God sent the word to shepherds in a field. These were shepherds whose home was actually in the fields. They did not have an abode. Why did God choose shepherds? Shepherds were not thought of as those of high esteem. Also, remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. So, why not have the angels appear to shepherds? An event such as the birth of a Savior, presented to men so lowly esteemed, would certainly be worth sharing with those whom they encountered.

Can you imagine the fear these shepherds must have felt when the angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them? But, the angel calmed them down and told them the Good News about the birth of the Savior. The angel uses three titles for the new born baby: Savior, Messiah, and Lord. Jesus Christ certainly is all of these, and so much more! The shepherds were told how they would find this new born one, and it would not be in an expected place for such royalty to appear.

To cap off this unexpected and marvelous event for the shepherds, then a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel and praised God. They praised God in heaven and exclaimed about the peace on those of God’s favor. This is truly an event these shepherds would all remember the remainder of their lives!

Lord, may we be lowly and humble, so that when you “appear” to us we gladly accept that which you declare to us! May we always serve you and share with others all that you do for us! AMEN!!