Growing up, I raised sheep. Spent many hours everyday caring for their needs. They are needy animals! I was often dirty and nasty when I got done and needed to hit the shower right away. I certainly would not go anywhere after being in the sheep pen without cleaning up first. Reading the story of the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, made me think a little. They might have missed the King of Kings had they worried about how they looked or smelled. They might have missed Jesus.
Serenaded by angels with a song of redemption.
Heard the message of the Savior's birth first.
Expressed humble worship for the King of Kings.
Perhaps a bit dirty, or smelly, but chose not to
Hesitate or find an excuse for not running to Jesus.
Elated after finding Jesus, because all was just as they had been told.
Responded immediately to the call of God and told others about Jesus.
Deepened faith , because of what they heard, saw, and chose to believe.
Simple, humble servants, who left all to look for Jesus.
Luke 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 910 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.” An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
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.”
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. 17When 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.
May I always have the heart of a simple shepherd!
Chasing After Hearts,
Glenda Johnson
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