Calvin Synod Herald, 2016 (117. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-11-01 / 11-12. szám
10 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD The Shepherds’ Joy about Jesus A survey was done to see which characters from the advent account most people identify with. Not surprisingly, the shepherds came out on top by far. Most of us are pretty comfortable with the Christmas story. Maybe because we’re so familiar that has become part fable and part legend in our minds. Some have sentimentalized it so much that they are counting down the remaining shopping days, stressing about all the things to do, while neglecting the Nativity. The decorations the special Christmas carols we sing all help us remember that the baby who was bom in Bethlehem is Jesus, the Son of God, who brings great joy today. The shepherds received news about the gift that still goes on. And because of what they did with this gift, we too can sing joy to the world! 1 find it very interesting that God chose to send the birth announcement about His Son to shepherds. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about who they were. No adjectives are used to describe them: we simply read that “there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby...” Throughout the history of Israel, shepherding was a noble profession. Abel was the first to have this job, followed by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and of course, David. God calls Himself a shepherd and we’re compared to sheep, which is anything but a compliment. By the time we come to the first century however, shepherding has lost its luster. Shepherds made up the lowest class of people, coming in just ahead of the lepers. YET God entrusted the greatest message ever sent from heaven to the shepherds. Actually, this isn’t so unusual, is it? God has always worked wonders for the forgotten, for the despised, and for the lowly. From the very beginning of his time on earth, Jesus came to those who felt horrible and were humble. He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things.. .so that no one may boast before Him.” The Shepherds help us see that God has a message for sinners just like us. Everyone matters to God. And the only announcement of Christ’s birth goes out to a bunch of uneducated outcasts like the shepherds were. As we briefly look at the shepherds’ response, we’ll see some lessons that we can apply to our lives so that we don’t forget the Son this season. The first thing we see about the shepherds is that they were attentive to their jobs. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over the flocks at night.” They were so committed to their career that they never left their work. They not only worked the third shift, they pulled the first and second as well. This was a 24/7 deal for them. We also see from this verse that they were faithful, since they were “keeping watch.” Notice that God came to those who were attentive at the jobs they were given to do. They weren’t slackers and He met them right where they were. Likewise, whatever God has called you to do, be attentive to it and do it with excellence. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” You may be thinking that God doesn’t even know you exist and if He does, He’s somehow mad at you. Friend, you are not insignificant to Immanuel. God will meet you right where you are. You don’t have to clean yourself up on your own or act like someone you’re not. You were created in the image of God as an original masterpiece and the signature of the Creator is inscribed on your soul. While they were being attentive to the responsibilities they were given, they are suddenly awed by an angelic announcement in Luke 2:9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” God meets us where we are but then he brings us to our knees. Whatever the case, they were in awe and it would take a lot for these tough guys to be terrified. I wonder, when’s the last time you were in awe? Do you marvel at the Messiah? Has it been awhile since you hit your knees before Him? The attentive shepherds are filled with awe and now they accept the message of good news of great joy in Luke 2:10-15 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” The angel calms them down, telling them that he is bringing good news of acceptance, forgiveness and hope. We would have a lot to fear if Christmas never happened. And this message is for “all the people” but I want you to notice the word “you” as well. It’s for the whole world but it must also become deeply personal. The angels sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. ” We know that the shepherds accepted this message because in verse 15 we read, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see...” Have you accepted the message and allowed the word of God to work in you?. These shepherds didn’t just accept and enjoy the message they received, they acted upon it. Look at Luke 2:16 “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” This is pretty
