Big names. Big followings. Big impact. Sometimes we look around and we feel stuck. We look around and see God using others in what we consider mighty ways and question if there is any way that He could ever really use us. We become disheartened or discontent when our calling doesn’t seem to generate the same effect as those of others. We feel like if we aren’t making large noticeable strides for the Lord then are we really doing anything at all. Is living out my calling as a mother enough? Is ministering to the circle that God has placed me in really all He wants for me at this time? And sometimes the facade of public impact hinders our private devotion. We begin to question if we are worth using at all if we aren’t being used in flashy and noticeable ways.
And then God draws us to stories like the shepherds. The Christchild has just been born. God could have announced that arrival to ANYONE. He could have announced it to people with a lot more impact, that ran in bigger circles. He could have announced it to the influential and powerful people who would have gathered around to hear. But He didn’t. He chose to announce the arrival of his Son to shepherds in their fields.
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior–yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those whom God is pleased.’ When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:8-20
So why would God choose to use the shepherds? What would make them the prime targets to get to experience the announcement from the angels and the birth of the Christ child?
These shepherds would have been amazed that they were chosen to experience this. They would have been humble. And because of these characteristics they were excited to share with others all they had experienced. After they saw Mary and Joseph, the Scriptures say that they told everyone! They couldn’t contain the joy of what they had just experienced. God had been silent for so long and now they got to share about His Good News! These shepherds were not viewed as high-class or popular in their society. They had nothing to lose so they were willing to share their story, even if it seemed impossible. They were chosen and that gave hope to others that this Christchild had come for everyone, not just the religious elite. What story has God given you to share with others to show His glory? Each of us has a story that He has written on our hearts and it is our job to share it with others and show them that He loves everyone.
These shepherds were available. They were out in their fields, doing what they always do. They were awake at night and in the right place to see the heavenly host. Very few other occupations or people would have been available at this time and this place. Are we available? Is God trying to use our everyday schedules for His purpose?
These shepherds were a symbolic representation of God as He is ultimately the Good Shepherd. The heavenly host presented the story to the shepherds while they were keeping watch over their sheep. These shepherds showed in physical form the spiritual representation of God and His people.
When was the last time you considered that God has a place for you in His story? He isn’t looking for you to share the same purpose or move in the same circles as someone else. He has a desire to use us all and we have to understand and quit desiring the paths of others. God is looking for available people who are willing to share His story and use their routine and daily lives to show His glory.
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Making the Moments Matter. Click HERE to follow her on Facebook!
Last Updated on December 23, 2024
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