Luke chapter 2 verses 8-18 (NIV)
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 Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
The shepherds had an amazing encounter with angels that changed their lives. It was an experience that we can only imagine. But the most important thing for them, the thing that would change their lives, was what they did after the angels left. They acted on what they were told- they went to look for Jesus, and after they found Him they told everyone all about it.
They could have sat round their campfire rejoicing about what they had seen. They could even have gone home and shared that experience with others, but that was only part of the story. Imagine if they had done that, and someone then said to them – “so what did you do about it – did you find Him?”. The experience of seeing the angels was wonderful but they were only signposting the way to Jesus. So it is with us. We can have a wonderful time at a church service and feel really blessed. But what is the most important thing? Do we act on what God has said after we go home, or do we simply rejoice that it was a wonderful meeting? That of itself is not enough – we need to be like the shepherds and do something with what we have heard or experienced.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that the shepherds took to heart what they had heard and acted on it. Help me to do the same when You speak to me, however You do and through whomever You choose. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.