Have you ever noticed how good fortune seems to always come to those who already have it? That’s how things happen in the world’s economy; however, in the economy of the Kingdom, the least become the greatest [Matthew 19:30].
Shepherds were considered to be the lowest of low. They spent more time with animals than they did people. They smelled like the animals they cared for and were not highly esteemed. Yet God chose them to be the first to receive the birth announcement of Christ. In Luke 2:8-20 we read about an angel appearing before them in the field to declare the birth of Jesus Christ.
Why do you think God chose to announce His Son’s birth to the lowly shepherds? The scriptures do not provide the answer, but I believe He wanted us to know Jesus came for one and all-not just those who seem to have it all. Jesus came for the poorest and the richest alike.
How did these men respond to the announcement? They immediately took off to see the Christ child. They didn’t wait around and debate if they should go or not. They didn’t form a committee to decide what they should do about what they learned. They pursued Jesus [vs. 15] In fact, verse 16 tells us they hurried off to find Him. Are you in a passionate pursuit of Jesus today?
Once they entered the presence of the Christ child, they worshipped Him, but they didn’t stop there. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” They were the very first to share the story of Christ. Did they have a degree from seminary? Had they learned the four spiritual laws? No! They simply told their testimony of encountering Jesus. Have you heard the commerical catch phrase “even a caveman can do it” on tv? Well, here in scripture we see even a shepherd can do it!
We are to share with others what we experience when we encounter Jesus. It’s really that simple. People make things difficult, but God keeps it simple. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to spread the word!