Who Were the Shepherds?

 ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Luke chapter 2

Why did God choose shepherds to be the first to know about the birth of his son?  From a marketing standpoint, it doesn't make much sense.  Bethlehem was filled with throngs of people at that time, gathering for the census.  There were a lot of high and mighty people gathered!  Jesus was the Messiah - why not tell the Jewish leaders, who had waited for so long?  Jesus was the King - why not send a warning to political leaders?  Jesus was, at the very least, the grandchild for Mary and Joseph's families - why not send an angelic messenger to them?

Isn't it just like God to not be concerned with sending political, religious or social messages?  Isn't it just like God to be certain that even the lowliest of society would know the Good News?  Shepherds, far from being the cute little romanticized caretakers we may think of, were on the outskirts of Jewish society.   At that time, many shepherds were either slaves of wealthy families who hired them to care for their herds of sheep or they were gypsy-like vagabonds traveling from region to region selling their sheep. There was a common stereotype that shepherds were thieves and should not be trusted. That is why, most often, shepherds rarely ventured into town.

Doesn't this knowledge just amaze you?  Knowing who shepherds were, God chose them.  Knowing what society - including the "religious" folks - thought about shepherds didn't stop God from using them in His most powerful plan.  And it certainly didn't stop Jesus from referring to Himself as our shepherd in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."  

Perhaps, if Jesus walked among us today, He would be a janitor or custodian.  And perhaps, if Jesus were to be born in today's society, God's equivalent of announcing his birth to the shepherds would be to tell . . . I don't know, the homeless men staying warm under an overpass.  Do you understand my point?  God had a plan that night, and His plan didn't include making the high and mighty - both religious and non-religious - feel good about themselves!  

No, His plan was to use the least of these.  The one thing we can say about these men and boys is that as shepherds, they would have been consistently looking to the sky.  They knew how to read the stars, they could predict weather by what they saw in the clouds and by the wind, and move their sheep to safer ground.  Perhaps that is why God chose them.  Perhaps it is because the movers and shakers in Bethlehem never looked up, and wouldn't have noticed an angel in the sky.  Shepherds were always watching and listening.  Was anyone else watching and listening that night?

How about you?  Are you watching for God?  Are you listening to His voice?  Are you living in an expectant manner, open and available to hear from Him?  What good news does He have to share with you, that you are perhaps missing because your eyes are focused on something else?

That's all for today.  Tomorrow we will talk about what the shepherds did with once the angels left them.  I'm enjoying learning about all of this and sharing it with you!

 

The Angel Witnesses

I also imagine that the angels were so excited for mankind to meet their friend Jesus.  They had known him for thousands of years, known him fully as God.  They had to have loved him so much, as evidenced in their song of praise, right? 

Yesterday, I thought that maybe they didn't know God's plan for Jesus to die.  But I've changed my mind.  This is strictly my opinion, of course.  They surely would have known the prophecies that God had given His people through the centuries.  And the prophecies were fairly clear about Jesus' fate.  Yet still they were excited!  Because they also knew God in a way beyond our understanding, and they surely knew God was the ultimate winner!

Let's look at Luke chapter 2 again: 

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  (verses 9-14)

We know that one angel delivered the initial message (WOW!!  Wouldn't you love to have been picked for this job?).  Then he was joined by a great company.  They are the heavenly host.  We don't know how many angels are in a company.  Since angels are God's warriors, let's look at it from a military standpoint.  Dictionary.com defines a company as a body of troops consisting of two or three platoons.  A platoon is made up of two or more squads.  A squad is made of around 12 soldiers.  So . . . conservatively speaking . . . two squads of 12=24.  Two platoons of 24=48.  So 48 soldiers would very conservatively be one company.  But Luke refers to a "great" company.  So let's just say that a company of heavenly hosts is 100 angels.  Now let's look at the type of angels.

First, there are cherubim.  Cherubim, despite the earthly depictions as child-like, cupid-type creatures, are said to be guardians.  They have four faces:  one of a man, an eagle, an ox, and a lion.  They also have four wings, and under the wings, human-like hands.  They are guardians:  they have guarded the Ark of the Covenant, and the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden. Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24 ; Ezekiel 10:17–20 , 28:14-16; and 1 Kings 6:23–28  

The next angels described in the Bible are Seraphim.  Seraphim serve as the caretakers of God's throne.   In Isaiah 6 they continually shout praises to God:  "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled with His Glory."  Seraphim have six wings:  two covering their faces, two covering their bodies, and two with which they fly.  The word "saraph," the singular of Seraphim, is translated as "fiery" or "burning ones", and it is said that they burn eternally with love and zeal for God.  Seraphim are mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7, Revelation 4:8, and Ezekiel 1:27.

The third set of angels are the archangels.  There are two archangels mentioned by name in the Bible:  Gabriel and Michael.  Gabriel appears to be the messenger angel and Michael is the warrior.  While no physical descriptions are given of them, both angels are mentioned by name in both the Old and New Testaments.  It's quite easy to imagine that Gabriel is the angel who first appeared to the shepherds.  Some religions cite references to seven archangels.  They are traditionally thought of to be the protectors of nations. 

That's a fairly short description . . . but NOW imagine the scene on the hillside where the shepherds lay.  Imagine 100 multi-winged creatures streaming through the sky.  Imagine guardians, warriors, messengers and caretakers, joyfully singing praises to God, worshiping the fact that His child had finally been born.  Imagine their beautiful voices, see their breathtaking flights through the starry sky.

Can you imagine?  How wonderful it must have been, how long they must have waited to deliver this good news!  Just imagine . . . just imagine . . .


 

The Witnesses

Over the next several days, I'd like to take time to think about the pronouncements of that first Christmas.  What do we really know about those who were a part of this Christmas story?  My intent is to focus on the witnesses to this miracle (however, if God leads me elsewhere, I'll follow!) - the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men.

Have you ever thought about the angels who proclaimed Christ's birth to the shepherds.  Let's look at Luke chapter 2:  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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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,
                                                and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  (verses 8 - 14)

I wonder . . . I don't know a lot about angels.  Here's what I do know.  The word "angel" means "messenger of Yahweh, or messenger of God.  Angels are not born or descended from a race of angels (see Luke 20:34-36).  However, they are not eternal, as the Bible talks about the creation of angels in Nehemiah 9:5-6:   "Blessed be your glorious name, exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one, God, you alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; The earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive; heaven's angels worship you!" (See also Psalm 148:2,5 & Colossians 1:16-17).

Angels (or "heavenly hosts") are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament, and 165 times in the New Testament.  We also know from the scripture above that angels are heavenly, spiritual beings.

I tell you all this because . . . the conclusion that I draw is that angels had to have known Jesus before He was born as a man.  Since there is only one God, one Creator who is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, we can also reasonably conclude that God might not have shared with the hosts of heaven His complete plan for Jesus' earthly mission.  Angels might not have been foreseeing Christ's agony which was to come in 33 short years.  But even if they had known . . . These angels, messengers of God, had known Jesus Christ for thousands of years.

Today my son was in a Christmas show.  Yesterday at dress rehearsal the director chided them a bit as they (wearily) recited the scripture from Luke 2, above:  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  She challenged them to think like angels, to proclaim like angels, to imagine how the angels would have really sounded. 

Can you imagine what that must have sounded like?  Let's use our imaginations and really dream about that for a bit.  I can almost see a light show in the sky of angels and shooting stars, dancing and racing through the sky as shared with common beings the best news of eternity.  I mean . . . can you imagine?  Maybe in our modern terminology, it would be something like:  "He's here!  He's finally here!!  God has done what He promised!  God loves you, and His promised one is here!  God is so awesome!  Praise you, God!"

I found this video on youtube.com.  Click on the link to watch it.  I imagine it as perhaps 1/100th of the magnificence of that night.  We'll talk more about the angels tomorrow, but for today . . . just watch.  Tell me what you think!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVrK4fxbsiY (If the link doesn't work I believe you can just copy and paste the web address into your internet browser.)
  

The World Needs a Savior, pt. 2

Yesterday we talked about how much the world is drawn to Christmas.  We have fallen into a trap of looking down on the fact that Christmas begins early, as early as September.  However, I think it's awesome, because I think that it's just an example of how much the world is hungry for Christ.

We are looking at the verse in Isaiah 9:6:  " For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

For most of us, Christmas is a fun time, a season of rejoicing.  But for others, it can be a painful time, either from bad memories or current hurts.  And yet, this season is just as much for the hurting as it is for the rejoicing.  Look at the verse above . . . this season, this celebration of Christ's birth, has given us a counselor, a Prince of Peace.  As difficult as this time can be, God has promised us more than this.  Jeremiah 31 says " I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow (verse 13)."

The promise of the Christ is the same promise that turns our mourning into gladness.  Notice that God didn't say He'll make it all better, or you'll feel better next year.  He doesn't give a timetable.  He simply gives Himself as a promise to comfort us.  He'll turn our sorrow to joy.

If you are hurting this Christmas season, or know someone who is, don't sweep it under the rug.  Through your tears you can still rejoice in the knowledge that God will comfort you.  The same God who promised the Savior thousands of years ago has also promised to bring you comfort and joy.  How ironic that one of our most beloved Christmas carols mimics this verse:

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy."

The World Needs a Savior

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.   And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. "  Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is such a wonderful time.  Although most Christians recognize that Jesus probably wasn't born on exactly December 25 (many theologians point towards a date sometime in mid-September, there are many citations on the internet), we still have chosen to celebrate His birth on this day.  I'm not looking to debate the merits of the celebration today.  I'm looking to recognize what a special time it is.

Let's face it, even for Christians,Christmas isn't just about Jesus.  It's about spending time with family, Christmas pageants, good food and cool gifts.  Sometimes we hear Christians lament the fact that Jesus isn't the ONLY reason for the season.  Of course, He is THE reason for the season, but isn't God so awesome?  He gives us this time of celebration and allows us to celebrate with family, friends, even strangers sometimes.  We don't have to scream and yell and tell the world they are wrong because they celebrate Christmas the wrong way.  Because they aren't wrong - not totally.

Christmas advertising begins in the fall, and we've all seen the tinsel and lights and thought, "This is crazy!  It's too early!"  But this year, I thought something else.  I realized that I don't need anymore evidence than Christmas in September to recognize how much the world is hungry for a savior. 

They substitute that need with lights, gifts and snowmen and reindeer.  But I see what they really want - they want to come home for Christmas.  There's a quote from a woman named Carol Nelson who says, "Christmas is a time when you get homesick-even when you're home."  I've felt that before, have you? 

Now I recognize what I'm homesick for.  I'm homesick for my eternal home, with my eternal Father.  And so are non-Christians, even though they don't recognize it.  During this Christmas season, from September to January, we practically have a written invitation from the world to talk about Jesus.  They want to talk about Christmas - so let's talk!  They want to advertise and buy gifts - let's show them what the true gift is.  Christmas is a time when even the hardest-hearted Scrooge gets mushy and lovey.  So let's use that opportunity for Christ.  Instead of bemoaning how early Christmas starts, let's celebrate it!! 

When you're comparing your gift list with your neighbor tomorrow, remind yourself of the scripture above:  For unto us, a Son is given.  The greatest gift.  The only gift.  The eternal gift. 

Tomorrow we'll talk about how Christmas is a gift, even when it brings us sadness.  Because of Christmas, we have a Wonderful Counselor . . . and more. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

I write this from the 32nd floor of the Marriott Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.  It's snowy, cold, and windy.  Really windy.  I expect to see cows blowing by at any moment.  (Remember the movie Twister?) 

There are several spiritual lessons I am taking from this weather.  First of all, I kind of asked for it.  I love winter!  I love snow, and I love Chicago, so I'm not going to complain.  At least not so anyone can hear me and subsequently throw it back in my face.  Just kidding.  But seriously, I'm reminded that God doesn't always save us from what we ask for.  Sometimes He gives it to us or allows it to happen, even when He knows we'll complain later.  Or, He doesn't give us what we do ask for, because - as you know - He's Creator of the Universe and knows a bit more about what's going on then we do. 

Secondly, sometimes we have cold seasons in our life spiritually.  Times when, though it seems we are doing the same things we have always been doing, we are not having the same experience with God that we always had.  Our reaction can be to unravel; unless we are intentional about looking inward and upward, we take this cold season as an excuse to go do our own thing.  I love how Paul winds down 1 Corinthians, in chapter 16:  "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."

Being "on guard" has clear implications of being purposeful and meaningful.  If we are not allowing God to change us, we enter a cold season where we slow down spiritually, even reaching the point of death. 

Sometimes we also confuse a cold season with a waiting season; or should I say, sometimes a waiting season becomes a cold season.  We become frustrated with God, thinking that we should looking for the open door or window.  But sometimes God tells us to wait!  We all know the Isaiah 40:31 verse:  "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not grow faint."  That is the King James version; the NIV says that they who "hope" in the Lord shall renew their strength.  Waiting is not a passive activity. 

Think of how your children are waiting for Christmas to get here.  They are expectant, eyes open, always looking for signs that it's getting closer and closer.  That's how we wait for God.  It's an awesome thing, and we have to be careful to not look at it as a . . . . bummer.  !!!!  Waiting on Him is hoping in Him.

Well, speaking of Christmas, I'll be writing about it over the next several days.  Hope you'll join me!

   

Again . . . love

It's been 12 days since I've posted.  Part of the reason is because I have been busy like crazy.  But a lot of the reason is that I've been pouting.  I've had a bit of a personal . . . well, crisis may be too strong a word, but that's how it felt.  I've been under attack, that I know for sure, and though the attack came from a so-called friend, the real battle has been spiritual.

When you find out that those you thought were loyal friends actually aren't, doesn't it cause you to doubt everything?  When I learned recently of some harsh things that were said about me, it caused me to doubt myself, my ministry, my ability to lead . . . it caused me to doubt writing this blog.  I thought, how can I lead anyone, when I know there are people who think these horrible things about me?  That's when I remembered that for me, it's not about leading.  It's about serving.  Serving God through serving others. 

I started this blog because I felt led to do so by my dad.  Not my earthly father, but my eternal Father.  My Abba Father, my Creator.  The one who loves me deeply and passionately and with an all-consuming love.  So I write this for Him, and if 9 people see it every day, if a few people get something out of it once in a while, that's great.  But it's not for you.  It's not for me.  It's for Him.

Anyway, I realized that the earthly attack I felt was really only a cover for a spiritual attack, and I failed miserably.  One of the groups I am in at church is studying the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  So check this out:  I learned of this attack last Monday.  On Wednesday we were reading the 2nd chapter of the book, where Chan shared his thoughts about stress and worry.  He referred to Philippians 4:4:  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!

Paul didn't say . . . hey, if you are worry-free, have no problems, or maybe when your problems are over . . . rejoice.  No, it's not an offer or suggestion.  It's a command:  REJOICE!  When I am overwhelmed with stress, worry, busyness, or feel under attack, and do not rejoice, I am disobeying God.  I am telling Him that it's my right to worry, that this commandment doesn't apply to me.  In fact, I am telling God that I do not trust His ability to take care of me. 

I do not want to tell God that.  I want to honor Him in everything I do.  And the bottom line is, in my personal situation . . . I need to remember to live for an audience of One.  When I keep that at the forefront of my mind and heart, it is easy to rejoice.  It's natural, because I am thinking of the One who created me, purposed me, has a plan for me, died for me . . . the One who loves me.