Luke 2:8 (WEB)
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
This week, it seems like the pace of the Christmas Season just got faster! It makes me think I might want to be one of those shepherds in Bethlehem hanging out in the fields with their sheep. Except, it probably would be cold and uncomfortable. And I really don’t do cold! But it sure seems like it would be a peaceful, quiet setting, without much going on. Right?
Well, as it turns out, taking care of sheep might not be exactly what I imagined. I got to thinking about another Bethlehem shepherd boy…David. Didn’t he say that he had learned a thing or two about how to fight and defend himself while taking care of his sheep? In fact, he said he had actually fought a BEAR and a LION. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t consider close encounters with bears and lions to be peaceful situations! In David’s own words, he said, “When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, struck him, and rescued it out of his mouth. When he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, struck him, and killed him.” (I Samuel 17:34-35, WEB) Did he say he had seized it by its hair? Okay, that’s way too close for me! That peaceful, pastoral setting is not looking so peaceful anymore.
Then there are all those other stories in the Old Testament about invading militants swooping in and running off with the sheep. I guess a shepherd didn’t just have to be on the lookout for wild animals that may kill and harm the sheep, but also for invading armies or thieves.
My idea of a shepherd is changing. I guess a shepherd had to be vigilant at all times, ready for battle and willing to risk his own life for the sheep. Add to that that he had to know his flock well and keep track of them all, not push them too hard, make sure they had good sources of food and water, take care of the weak or injured sheep, and provide shelter. The job of a shepherd seems pretty demanding now, doesn’t it?
Isn’t it fantastic, then, that God sent His special angel envoy to announce the Messiah’s birth to faithful shepherds in Bethlehem? Because, just as Isaiah the prophet foretold, this baby coming into the world, Emmanuel, God with us, would one day Shepherd us.
You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength!
Lift it up! Don’t be afraid!
Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, your God!”He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
He will gently lead those who have their young.(Isaiah 40:9,11 WEB)
We desperately need a Good Shepherd. Someone who will search for us when we have gone astray. Someone who will bandage us up and carry us when we are wounded and hurt by life in this fallen world. Someone who will stand by us and fight for us when evil presses in. Someone who will lead us to safe pasture and good food, even though we may like junk food better. Someone who will guide us along the path of life.
If your heart is heavy today over the plight of a loved one who is hurting or has gone astray, or over your own cares and problems, take it to the Good Shepherd. Our Good Shepherd is strong and faithful. He is caring and wise. He loves us and calls us by name. And he gave His very life to save us.
“The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;…”“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
(John 10:10-11, 14, 27-29 WEB)
May we find true peace this Christmas Season in the care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus.
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” by Atlanta Master Chorale
Scripture taken from the World English Bible (WEB), Public Domain.