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.”
- Luke 2:8-10
Let’s think about these verses for a minute. Shepherds had just settled in for a night’s work of minding the sheep when in the sky, a bright light appeared. Not just any bright light, but an angel of the Lord bringing news of great joy to all people!
While this is not how they expected their night to start out, it’s one of the next verses that made the difference in the fulfilment of God’s prophecy…“When the angel had left them, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
“Let’s go.” Those are the key words. Yes, the angel’s tidings announcing the birth of Jesus are most important, as is the admonition to not be afraid, but it was what the shepherds did upon hearing those words that helps us understand what it means to be obedient.
God chose to send His Son out of His immense love for each of us, then and now. In His time and way, He calls us to act in order that His plans and purpose can be accomplished at that moment.
Like the shepherds, this call may come while we’re at work, or it could come while we’re at school or just out and about in our daily lives. In fact, the “bright light” may even be a “still, small voice,” but the intent is the same - God has orchestrated that moment for us to share His love and use our talents to help others. The question, though, is how will we respond?
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’”
Trusting Without Fear!
Floyd, Bonnie and Meg
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