EVEN THE SHEPHERDS
Shepherds ... outcasts, nomads, lowly, unreliable, rough. Shepherds Seen as the lowest of the low in biblical times, they were not allowed to fulfill a judicial office. They weren't even allowed to appear in court as witnesses because they were considered so untrustworthy.
And these were not only shepherds, but night shift shepherds So why did God choose to deliver the most important message in history to these people? Don't you ever wonder that? It wasn't the Pharisees, Emperor Augustus or even a highly placed dignitary sitting in a palace or synagogue. It was the shepherds You could train a boy, or even a dog, to do the job these guys did.
But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid…’” The fear felt by the shepherds is understandable. We are all sinners and have every right to fear God's judgment. But, in Greek, the term I bring you good news means to evangelize or preach the gospel. It’s the message of grace: redemption, the unmerited favor of God.
Still, why the shepherds? We know Jesus didn't have time for the Pharisees or for false airs, selfish motives, or self-righteous behavior. He abhorred it. It would seem Luke wants to let us know early on that this is the case. Christ’s message was for all people, no matter what their station in life. It still is. We would do well to remember this the next time we see
a homeless person on the street, read a story about an illegal immigrant or see migrant workers in a field as we pass. These are God's people, too. We all are.
Eternal God, you who show love in so many ways and to so many different people, help us to learn to show that love to all of your children at all times in our lives. Amen.
Amy Keith
