Thursday, March 16

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethelehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'...  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." (Luke 2:15,20)

Luke's recounting of Jesus's birth does not include mention of Herod's threatening and murdering of babies.  Still, there is great value in comparing and contrasting the humility and genuine openness of the shepherds with the fear and jealousy that Herod and, later, the religious hierarchy demonstrate.

Many commentators have highlighted the shepherds' humility in life station as a motivation for their openness to the Christ Child's coming.  Their placement as laborers, separated from more urbane life, reminded them daily.  Yet, beyond this life station, these shepherds expressed a curiosity and desire to explore what God had revealed to them.  Spending long hours in the fields had made them attuned to sudden changes in scenery; their flocks' livelihood depended on their quick responses.  They knew that something great had just come upon them.

Their curiosity led them to the manger, where they found what God had promised.  This exploration took time and forced them to reconsider what they had previously known.

Seeking after God and knowing Him puts us in the shepherds' place.  We must address the reality He presents and be willing to modify our direction to suit what He has revealed.  This openness to change comes only with humility and maturity.  Given our natural pride, these traits do not come easily.

We understand from The Chronicles of Narnia that Aslan may not be safe, but He is good.  May we, like the shepherds, be eager to seek after what He has revealed so that we may know Him fully and glorify His Name.

Lord God, thank You for revealing Yourself so well to the humble shepherds and now to us.  Give us wisdom to hear Your voice and pay attention to Your revelation.  Grant is the courage to seek You above our small agendas and preconceptions.  Build into us hearts of expectations and longing for You that these shepherds have.  Keebua from the pride and jealousy of Herod and the religious leaders.  We love You and rejoice in thanksgiving today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.