Worried Shepherds

“An angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them […] When the angels had departed … the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing … which the Lord has made known to us.'”—Luke 2:9–15 NASB

Who were these men to whom the angels announced the birth of Jesus? Not powerful politicians, scholars, or landowners. They were simple shepherds and outdoorsmen.

We can imagine how at the moment they encountered the angels, some might have been worried. Their world was unstable, and the future seemed uncertain. How easily they could have felt discouraged with every reason to doubt. Even the faith inherited from their fathers might have failed them. They might have felt alone, forgotten by God.

But an angel had suddenly appeared in the night with a message for them. Then they heard a massive choir of angels. At that moment, the atmosphere changed. They experienced a jolt of resolve and a determination to believe the message and seek the child.

The message might have seemed too good to be true. They may have paused to consider who would believe their story. Leave their duty of keeping flocks to see a baby? What might others say? What would they say if they stumbled into soldiers, could not find the baby, or their masters learned they had left their post?

We can imagine how some might have wanted to stay behind. But only in going did their lives change.

How will you respond to the angels’ message? How will you respond to the call of God for you? Will you give in to skepticism and doubt? Or risk everything to follow Him?

Reflection Question: Where is God calling you to go this week?