Unlikely Recipients

 

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”

—Luke 2:8

When something spectacular happens in your life, who is the first person with whom you share your good news? Your spouse? Your parents? Your best friend?

Or, do you stop strangers walking along the street and enthusiastically tell them the wonderful thing God has done in your life.

The most significant event in all of human history was the incarnation—the birth of Jesus. The one and only Son of God comes to earth in human form.

To whom does God choose to announce this miracle of miracles? Dr. Luke records this in Luke 2:8-11:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

But, why make this most spectacular announcement to a bunch of shepherds? It seems as if they were unlikely recipients of this wonderful news. Could it be because the greatest of all shepherds had just been born?

Did God choose these lowly, ordinary folk to hear such a glorious announcement because God does not show partiality? Did God want the first ones to come and see God incarnate to be the very ones He came to save?

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that He came to seek and to save those who were lost. That includes lowly shepherds, foreign kings, and you and me, as well.

 

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