God chose shepherds, of all people in Israel, to first hear of Messiah’s birth. I suggest but one reason, though others exist. God proved that he cared for all. Certainly those who knew they were least and needed help. Even those who felt they were best, and didn’t.
That offers a particular point of integrity. Famous in Israel, and history, as a man of AUTHORITY, Jesus ordered demons OUT...and they left their victims. He ordered the dead UP...and they rose. He ordered winds and waves STOP...and complete silence followed. It all proved he could do whatever he pleased any time he wanted. But in the most remarkable example of empathy, never in history has anyone possessing all power and fame had such compassion for people. Even for people who hated him. Even for those who couldn’t help themselves. Remember now, that which is most helpful to us must first be faithful to God’s word. And remember that information can weigh on us like flower petals or a ball and chain; like air or lead; like the frost of many winters or the freshness of spring flowers. Therefore...through the angel—likely Gabriel—God preached the shortest, greatest information sermon ever in saying, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11. To be joined by an angelic host singing the greatest song ever composed. What we needed to learn. What we wanted to hear. What we despaired of ever hearing. The most uplifting, encouraging faith-building words ever heard: GOD with us, in us, for us. We never had to be afraid or alone again. God wanted everyone to hear that message and sent Jesus, his perfect messenger, to embody and proclaim it. For none but HE would be known through the centuries as The GOOD SHEPHERD, the one who not only canonized a disreputable occupation, but proved the embodiment of the shepherd of Isaiah 40:11 who tends his flock, gathers the lambs in his arms, carries them close to his heart and gently leads them—Our gracious Savior! End Part II
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