The world has been changed by shepherds…
They shared their experience. They told everyone they met, they couldn’t stop talking about Jesus and what God had done for them: “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child” (Luke 2.17). Question: Are we sharing Jesus with those we meet? Are we telling others what God has done for us, our experiences?
They were found glorifying and praising God. Luke 2.20 reads: “They left the manger, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Question: What are we found talking about, the weather, our complaints, gripes, and health issues, or are we found “glorifying and praising God” for His love, mercy and grace, “for all the things” we’ve heard and seen from the hand of God?
They left their flocks. “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:16). These shepherds had their priorities correct; Jesus before all things. It was Jesus who said: ”Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6.33). Question: What are we leaving; what have we left in order to follow and share Jesus with others?
Indeed, genuine New Testament evangelism is sharing Jesus, talking about God, and what He has done for us and will do for others, if we will put Him first and foremost. Amen?
Randall Caselman
Bella Vista church of Christ
Bentonville, AR