Last week I was meditating upon the birth narrative from Luke 2:8-20 (If you know the story, skip the text to my reflections):
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
First, keep in mind that Luke included this story in the birth narrative because he spoke to the men who were the young shepherds in the field that night! This is an eye-witness account of what happened from those who were there!
Now imagine those boys talking about what they experienced over the years. An Angel of God appeared and spoke to them! They actually saw and heard the multitude of angels! They were the first ones to see the Messiah outside of Joseph & Mary! Imagine the wonder and excitement these young men shared as they grew up to become men.
Now fast forward 30 years to when Jesus began his ministry. The stories began to circulate about Him turning the water to wine, healing the sick, casting out demons, walking on water, raising the dead, feeding the thousands. And the shepherds look at each other and say… “Wow! Remember when saw Him first! We told people about him before anyone else! Do you remember when the angel appeared? Do you remember the heavenly choir…?”
Fast forward three years to the crucifixion. They may have hidden in their homes not talking to anyone (Bethlehem is not far from Jerusalem). They knew it was now dangerous to be associated with Jesus… so they may have huddled together fearing the authorities. Only telling their stories in whispers…
But then came Sunday… Resurrection Sunday! They must have heard… they must have eventually seen him… they must have begun telling their story again! They told Luke… they told everyone who asked. Yes, they did see an angel. They did see and hear the angelic choir. They did see The Messiah… the one who became Jesus… who performed miracles, was crucified, and resurrected. What a story the truth is!
What is your story about Jesus?
I love to think about this Ron. Can you imagine telling your grandchildren stories of Jesus from a very personal, eyewitness perspecitve? Once, we were meeting in our home, I challenged our group to tell the stories of Jesus as thogh they were there. We talked about the events of Jesus’ life in first person. I asked them to do this bceause one of the coolest things about faith is–we were there! Our faith’s eye can see Him walk on water, teach the disciples, and heal the sick.
From another faith perspective I remember when you and my brothers listened to me cry in pain and struggle with my faith in hard times. I remember a gift given to my wife and me through you and some friends. When we see the faithful acts of others toward me or anyone, even when we are not so lovable, we see Jesus working all over again. In reality, it’s not really any of us who choose to do the good that we do. It’s the Lord Jesus working through these feeble bodies to bring about great things to His glory.
Thanks for reminding me. And thanks for being there for me. God bless your new minstry for Him.