“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. – Luke 2:8 (NIV)
The shepherds in Luke 2 were faithful and vigilant; they stayed awake to protect their sheep from thieves and predators. They were fulfilling their duty as the world slept. It was a part of their cultural practice. But in the above verse, we also see spiritual watchfulness or remaining alert in dark or uncertain times.
The message they received from God in Luke 2:10-12, however, transformed these watchmen into witnesses. They left their flocks to go and confirm the birth of the newborn Saviour. Upon confirmation, even though these shepherds were considered unclean (due to their work) and had a reputation for being rough or untrustworthy, they were shepherded by God’s voice to go. They told everyone about the Messiah, as God guided and protected them.
Note, friends, God met them where they were. He didn’t wait for them to come to a temple or a holy place; His angels descended in the midst of them, in the middle of their work, out in the dark fields. Yes, friends, Jesus came for everyone, especially the lowly, the outsiders, and the overlooked. Scripture says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” – Matthew 5:3 (NIV).
God spoke clearly through His Messenger, the angel, with precise instructions: A Saviour was born, and where to find Him. He didn’t leave the shepherds in the dark. He gave them truth, direction and hope, calming them when they were afraid at his sudden appearance (Luke 2:10).
Their obedience of going (following God’s call) turned into joy. What they had encountered became a testimony for the whole world. As long as we’re alive, we are called to follow God’s call at all times, in every season and situation, whether good or bad, because we also have answered the call to go. We also are to shepherd others into the Good News.
Read: Luke 1:52; John 10:27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 136:13-26; 1 John 2:12-27; Daniel 7; Daniel 8:1-14