Five-minute read.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:8-14
Shepherds represent the common person, ordinary people who joyfully received the Gospel and became leaders to others. Luke doesn’t tell us what time of year this took place, but when the angel appeared to them, he started his message with “Fear not.” Repeatedly throughout the scriptures, God tells us not to fear, trusting Him to deliver us from whatever troubles come upon us.
When the Lord calls us to do something, it can feel intimidating. Often, we receive nudges from the Holy Spirit that go against the cultural norm. When salmon reproduce, they swim upstream to lay their eggs against the current. When I’m following the Lord, I often feel like a salmon battling the oncoming current. The world around me frequently disagrees with my stance, but I must decide: do I care more about what people or the Creator think? Once I make that decision, the rest falls in place.
Following the angel’s directions led the shepherds to Jesus. Surrounded by a host from heaven, the men began their trek to meet the Savior, wrapped in swaddling in a manger. The heavenly host’s bold proclamation of the Gospel indicates the fulfillment of prophecies about the coming Messiah. “Suddenly” (vs.13), life changed for the shepherds. God often works the same way in our lives; something suddenly changes our course forever.
Allowing the Lord to order our steps and take us on life’s journey that culminates with Him calling us to our home, will take us places we never imagined. Events will unfold that you could never manipulate. Conversations will occur that you could never imagine. Life change will take place one day at a time as God draws you deeper into your relationship with Him. The more we learn to rely on the Savior, the more our faith will become more profound. Eventually, we learn that God’s way truly does have our best interest at heart and will help us live life to the fullest.
Follow the Savior today. Allow Him to order your steps and direct your paths. Live life to the fullest as you submit your ways to the King of Kings, swaddled in a manger, waiting for you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue Your image bearers. Please give us sensitive spirits to Your prompting, allowing You to order our steps. As we continue to seek Jesus, let Him mold us for our purpose, living life for You.
IJNIP. Amen
