Lowly shepherds

Posted in , By Misti Runyan 0 comments

Luke 2:8-11 "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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the  Messiah, the Lord.'"

"The shepherds of Jesus' day were familiar with bad news. Generally regarded as liars and thieves, smelly blue-collar workers with a penchant for strong drink and faithless living, the shepherds were familiar with being shunned by society. They were not permitted in the Temple courts or the religious establishments of Jesus' day. Sheep herding was a thankless job, and these rough and tumble animal herders learned that isolation from high and holy things was a way of life."-Hope Arriving: A Personal Advent Devotional Journey-Dan Wilt

I am so glad God chose to send the angels to the shepherds. Of all the people society would think deserving of hearing the good news, the Lord chose the least likely group. The guys who slept in caves curled up next to animals for warmth, the people no one wanted to come into close contact with because of the smell were the ones God gave favor to. He picked them up out of their mundane, depressing lives and told them they were special.

I'm glad He did this because it reminds me that I am important to Him. I've got proof in this little detail that it doesn't matter what people think of me, because God loves me.