The Shepherds: From Ordinary to Extraordinary
The Shepherds: From Ordinary to Extraordinary
This week, I want to invite you to follow along as we delve into the story of the shepherds, and not just any shepherds. These unnamed men were chosen to be the first to hear the news, “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, is born.”
It is written these humble and simple men of faith were the first to learn of the birth of Christ. They were chosen because of their faith. It was not their position, status, or wealth that they were chosen. It was the modest and “very ordinary who first saw the glory of the coming of the Lord” (Believer’s Bible Commentary).
An Unexpected Encounter
It was a quiet night in the fields outside of Bethlehem. Flocks of sheep lying down to rest while the herdsmen took shifts to guard the sheep. Their duty, to watch over and protect the herd. Their surroundings were a stark contrast to the chaotic world around them. Though life for these shepherds was certainly not easy, it was hard not to appreciate the peacefulness that enclosed them this particular evening.
But that would quickly change.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a glorious bright light shone around them. Startled by this turn of events, the shepherds were terrified by the angel’s appearance. To be visited by an angel in the midst of the night with a bright and brilliant light shining around them was pretty alarming to the shepherds. Keep in mind that angels, as described in the Bible, are not the cute cherubs we often see portrayed in art. They are warriors, wielding great power and strength. To the shepherds who spent the majority of their lives in solitude, this must have been quite the shock.
“8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:8-14 NKJV
After telling the shepherds not to fear, the angel shared the good news – the Messiah had been born! The angel was joined by a whole choir of angels who began singing praises to God.
What an incredible experience for the shepherds! God chose these humble men to first learn of the birth of Christ the Lord!
An Unlikely Audience
In biblical times, shepherds were considered to be of low social status. Since they spent the majority of their time in the fields shepherding the flock, they had few, if any, conveniences. I would assume they were quite dirty and smelled much like the herd they protected.
Shepherding was a lonely job. The position of the keeper of the sheep was most often assigned to younger sons and hirelings (Holman Bible Dictionary).
Due to this, shepherds were the most unlikely audience to be the first to receive news of the Messiah. And yet, they were chosen as the very first people to hear the good news. They were the first to come and see the Savior and the first to share their experiences with others about Him.
“15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’” Luke 2:15 NKJV
An Incredible Honor
What an honor! Chosen as the first to hear, see, and tell about the Savior was a high honor for these modest shepherds. Although a complete shock, perhaps for the first time in their lives, they felt seen, respected, and truly honored as the people God had created them to be. They were given an amazing privilege to be the ones to proclaim the birth of Christ!
Considering their position, their assignment to find the Baby wrapped in swaddling cloth was quite the promotion! God’s confidence in these men and His presence elevated their status to that of kings. Jesus would later tell His disciples that the first would be made last and the last would be first in His kingdom. This principle was at play from the very beginning of His time on Earth. The shepherds, whom society considered the least important, were welcomed first. The magi, or kings, who would ordinarily have been given greater importance, came to see Jesus much later.
The prophetic words of Psalm 72:9 came to life with these men, “desert nomads are bowing at the Messiah while every enemy is falling in defeat!” The KJV states, “his enemies shall lick the dust.” The Believer’s Bible Commentary describes the phrase “to lick the dust” as to suffer ignoble and shameful subjugation.” Reflect on those words for a moment. His enemies will suffer shameful defeat, but the nomadic shepherds will bow at their Savior’s feet.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ coming is that He demonstrated to us the reality that each one of us, regardless of our wealth or social status, is equal in His eyes. In our own unique way, we are all a reflection of God Himself – His Image-bearers. While the world tells us that everyone is unequal and that it is okay to treat others as less than ourselves, the events of Jesus’ coming remind us that He has come to bring renewal, not only to our own souls and minds, but to every individual who believes. Jesus has come to bring healing. The message of hope we have for eternity with Him is not just for us but for all people.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
I encourage you to read and reflect on Luke 2:8-20 this week. Consider who the shepherds were and how the angel’s message impacted them. In one instant, these men went from a lowly position to a position of significance. Why? Because God chose them to share the news of the Messiah.
God chose these humble men because of their modesty and trustworthiness. These men were not corrupted or influenced by the ways of the world, and they did not think more highly of themselves. These shepherds lived a life of humility and simplicity.
Take time to reflect on the significance of this event. How does the story of these modest shepherds inspire you? What will you do this Christmas season in response to the good news of the Savior?
It is my prayer that you, too, are open to the call of God, and you will share the good news while offering praise and worship to the newborn King – Glory to God in the highest!
Peace on earth.
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