TUESDAY
This week we are tracing the theme of worship in the scene of the angels and the shepherds from Luke 2. Today let’s look at the worship of the shepherds.
Luke 2:8-20 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, 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.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
In the birth of Jesus, God is doing something for all people. No one is of too low a social status; no one too high. Last week we saw Matthew emphasize a similar point with the magi. There the emphasis was on people from every nation. Here, the emphasis is on people from every social class.
According to R.C. Sproul, "shepherds of Palestine were considered to be the lowest class of people." Sproul goes on “The nature of their calling prohibited them from frequent participation in the religious rituals of their day, and there were discriminating practices against them with respect to the law courts, for a shepherd was not permitted to give testimony. They were considered to be so unscrupulous and untrustworthy that their testimony was of little value. But although their contemporary society hated them, it seems that they held a special place in the heart of God.” - R. C. Sproul, A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke, 30–31.
Yet, it is to them God chose to announce the birth of the Messiah. God has a particular affinity for calling shepherds throughout Scripture. Moses, David, and Amos were shepherds when they were called. God loves to elevate the humble. He accomplishes great things through them so he is the only one who gets the glory. Here shepherds become the first evangelists of the Messiah. They “spread the word” about the child. God chose those whose testimony wasn’t permissible in court to share his good news first. Similarly, Jesus chose Mary Magdalene (her testimony wasn’t permissible in court either) to be the first witness to his resurrection (John 20:11-18). Shepherds were the lowest of the low on earth and they worship the King.
This should both humble us and elevate us. It should humble us in that it isn’t our talent or our intelligence or foresight that God needs to enact his will. Yet it elevates us in that God can choose anyone to work through to bring about his will.
Knowing this about God, we should never say, “I’m not enough to be called by God.” We should never perceive ourselves as not smart enough, influential enough, or wealthy enough to be called by God. God proves time and time again throughout Scripture that, if it is his will, he will do great things through you for it is he who works in you to accomplish his purposes (Phil. 2:13).
Reflection
Is there something that came to mind when you read that question above? Did you fill in the blank with something you feel insecure about in your life, so that you find it difficult to believe that God can call you? Confess that to him today. Surrender everything to him and invite him to call you to whatever he wills.