Living Faith by James M. Dakis
God speaks to the most appropriate people.
The story of the birth of Jesus cannot be told in its entirety without the inclusion of the shepherds. Luke tells this magically in chapter 2 of his gospel account beginning with verse 8. Aside from the mother and Earthly father of the Christ child, these would be the first people that God would speak to about the coming of our Lord!
What is interesting is that, like the parents of Jesus, they did not show doubt in the message of the angels who brought the news. Read what happened when the host of heavenly emissaries:
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” Luke 2:15 KJV (Emphasis mine)
Notice that without delay, it is decided that they will go to see this baby of whom the angels spoke!
But who were the shepherds in Israel at this time in history?
It is no secret that sheep, and lambs, in particular, were a big part of Jewish culture. They were part of religious sacrifices that date back to the beginning of history. If estimates are correct, and simple mathematics are used, millions would have been needed just for sacrificial purposes, not to mention any used for food or wool.
That being said, the very men who tended to them were not considered holy or sanctified. If anything, they were outcasts. They were obviously dirty because of the nature of their work, as would be expected. Because they touched dead animals, they would be unclean and unable to enter the temple according to Jewish law. Since their work would require them to continue living among dead or bleeding animals, they would find it hard to go the required time to ever be declared “clean” enough to enter.
Because they did not live in town, they were not afforded opportunities for religious or other education or to learn other trades, meaning that once a shepherd, always a shepherd. Whether true or not, they were thought to be thieves as well.
Discarded by society, they were the perfect messengers!
Throughout history, God has rarely used what we would consider the most qualified people to do His work. Instead, He chooses broken, sinful, unrefined individuals who don’t have an agenda.
God doesn’t take people who have a proven track record. He takes people with faith that He can turn them around, use them, and make an impact on others for His glory!
“If God can work through me, he can work through anyone.” — Saint Francis of Assisi
The message of the birth of Jesus came to the most unlikely people of the time and community in which He was born. Armed with that knowledge, don’t let your standing, or anything about you, get in the way of spreading the Word of Jesus Christ to others today.
Living Faith by James M. Dakis is a Christian writing ministry that shares devotional teachings as well as faith-based fiction for anyone hoping to grow in Christ. Whether you are already a Christian or have questions about your faith, I would love to talk with you. Comment here or reach out to me personally.
A special thank you to Radha Kapadia, Grace Bianco, Kyle Chastain, and Kimberley Payne for all of your inspiration and help.
Jim