The Message

At Christmas, we often hear the account in Luke of how the sheppards were the first to be notified of Yeshua's birth. Did you ever think out how awesome the Heavenly Father was for doing this? To understand that God is no respecter of persons you would have to understand the status of sheppards in 1st century Palestine. Somewhat like the cowboys of the old western United States, they were known to be wanderers and drifters. Not really your most reliable members of society! It didn't matter to God. He saw their hearts and that they would be obedient to taking the news of this glorious announcement to Joseph and Mary. When the sheppards conveyed the message of the angelic host, all those who heard them were amazed:

"But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Mary wasn't in the fields to see or hear the angel chorus herself but believed the sheppards report. This proved to be a great treasure for her in such perilous times! It was Yah's assurance of what the angel Gabriel had spoken to Mary some nine months before. She would give birth the Son of God who is the Messiah.

So even though these sheppards were lowly and rough bred, our Heavenly Father choose them to be the first ones to receive tidings of great joy which will give hope to people of all nations. When Yeshua returns to establish his Kingdom, then will be the fulfillment of "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men." God is calling all types of people as He did the sheppards to tell the Good News of that Kingdom. Will you answer the call?

PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, help me to see that You do not care where we come from but are more interested in where we are going. Let me be like those sheppards of old, boldly bringing tidings of Good News to a world that needs it. In Yeshua's strength. Amen.