Shepherds – part 1

The shepherds were amongst their flock, watching over them in the night.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:8-11 KJV

When the Lord spoke to them, the Shechinah (Holy Ghost) surrounded them. The heavenly host praised God for His great mercy: The Creator of the universe had humbled Himself to dwell among His creation. (Philippians 2:6-11).

The LORD, the Great Shepherd, had come as a Lamb to take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29).

His body, His tabernacle among men, would be a place of sacrifice upon which He had placed His Name, and where His Spirit would dwell. He would bring peace between Himself and humanity – reconciliation – by His great sacrifice. (Colossians 1:14-23)

The birth of the LORD Savior was with a sign:

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12 KJV

“Manger” is another word for “crib.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

"The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:3 KJV

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:10-13 KJV

The shepherds were witnesses – they did not delay. They then made known abroad the message that they not only had heard, but that they had witnessed for themselves. The shepherds delivered the message. Those that heard wondered at the message. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for the good news that they had heard AND witnessed.

Just as pastors –  shepherds of the chief Shepherd – taking the Word to the world that they not only have heard but have witnessed in their own life for themselves.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Be born of God – of water and of the Spirit – water baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Hear the Word – obey the Word – experience it for yourself!

Church!