Luke 2:15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
I'm not sure when I started with this thought... I think about the shepherds going (with haste) to seek out baby Jesus. What did Mary think as she lay there amidst the animal smells, birthing smells and exhaustion? Did she wonder where these guys came from? No doubt it solidified her knowledge that indeed this child of God was sent for purposes beyond her comprehension. What goes through your mind as you wonder how to mother/parent God in human form?
The shepherds were the first people to seek God...to "go after Him" in human form. Sure we call King David a man after God's heart but the shepherds physically sought him and laid eyes on him!
Perhaps they held him in their arms. And how do you leave once you've held baby Jesus? Once you've been near him, how do you make your exit? How did it affect them the rest of their lives?
I always say, "You're changed once you encounter Jesus; you're never the same".
Showing posts with label Shepherds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shepherds. Show all posts
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Day 21. {{ God, You & Luke 2 }}
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Another version says, "...they were astonished..." I like that...Astonished.
It is God's job to make miracles happen, like in our story. What I love is the response of the shepherds. Our responsibility is responding and in that we have a choice. God always gives us choices.
The shepherds responded with haste, telling of Jesus' birth and the angels announcement.
They were unconventional evangelists, speaking from the heart, speaking from experience.
When God touches your heart He reaches deep down inside. I say it every time, " You aren't the same when He touches you", it isn't possible.
God allows us to see, hear and experience things for a reason. He has a plan and whether we understand fully, our role or not, our experiences are important to seeing that plan to fruition.
We are somebody's heritage. How we respond will directly influence our children, grandchildren, and far beyond.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Another version says, "...they were astonished..." I like that...Astonished.
It is God's job to make miracles happen, like in our story. What I love is the response of the shepherds. Our responsibility is responding and in that we have a choice. God always gives us choices.
The shepherds responded with haste, telling of Jesus' birth and the angels announcement.
They were unconventional evangelists, speaking from the heart, speaking from experience.
When God touches your heart He reaches deep down inside. I say it every time, " You aren't the same when He touches you", it isn't possible.
God allows us to see, hear and experience things for a reason. He has a plan and whether we understand fully, our role or not, our experiences are important to seeing that plan to fruition.
We are somebody's heritage. How we respond will directly influence our children, grandchildren, and far beyond.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Day 20. {{ God, You & Luke 2 }}
Thinking of shepherds. I have mentioned before that they are favorite characters in the story. Not taking precedence over Jesus, of course.
They worked under the stars...the night watchmen over the flocks. I love the night sky and often wonder what it must have looked like. Was there a moon that night? I know there was a special star. Was it a star for that purpose only? Created to guide the shepherds and wise men? Was it a chilly night or balmy? Each trip to Israel has been in November, nights can be chilly, especially in the hills.
They strike me as tender hearted...perhaps it's the influence of the whole story.
They we're rugged, manly men, strong, capable, men of integrity. I think watching sheep was an important job. Not just anyone is cut out to spend long hours alone with only sheep for company.
Were they priestly shepherds watching the sheep that would be used soon for sacrifices? Praise you Father that we no longer have to offer up the sacrifice...for nothing could truly atone for our sins.
Shepherds would bind and swaddle newborn lambs to insure their legs were straight for no lame lambs could be used for the sacrifice. They were wrapped, swaddled, and laid in a manger until they calmed. After a short time they were loosed to return to momma.
Was this a sign to the shepherds to hurry? The angel said so...
Vs. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The shepherds knew swaddling was brief; they must hurry to find the Christ Child.
Oh the picture of Jesus the Sacrificial Lamb from His beginning in the world!
Perhaps you'd like to watch this brief video of "Bethlehem, Beyond the Christmas Story".
http://www.dod.org/Products/Bethlehem--Beyond-the-Christmas-Story__DOD2165.aspx
The stream stopped before it was completely over but it provides a glimpse into the land now. The presumed birthplace is enshrined and gaudy but it is also protected. You will learn a little history that may help your understanding as you continue reading Luke 2.
I have never been to Bethlehem but I have stood in Efrata looking at the hills of Bethlehem on a moonlit night and it takes my mind to a night in ancient times. My imagination takes me to the hills with watchful shepherds and the lowing of sheep. Men, going about their business...men whose lives are never again the same...
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
They worked under the stars...the night watchmen over the flocks. I love the night sky and often wonder what it must have looked like. Was there a moon that night? I know there was a special star. Was it a star for that purpose only? Created to guide the shepherds and wise men? Was it a chilly night or balmy? Each trip to Israel has been in November, nights can be chilly, especially in the hills.
They strike me as tender hearted...perhaps it's the influence of the whole story.
They we're rugged, manly men, strong, capable, men of integrity. I think watching sheep was an important job. Not just anyone is cut out to spend long hours alone with only sheep for company.
Were they priestly shepherds watching the sheep that would be used soon for sacrifices? Praise you Father that we no longer have to offer up the sacrifice...for nothing could truly atone for our sins.
Shepherds would bind and swaddle newborn lambs to insure their legs were straight for no lame lambs could be used for the sacrifice. They were wrapped, swaddled, and laid in a manger until they calmed. After a short time they were loosed to return to momma.
Was this a sign to the shepherds to hurry? The angel said so...
Vs. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The shepherds knew swaddling was brief; they must hurry to find the Christ Child.
Oh the picture of Jesus the Sacrificial Lamb from His beginning in the world!
Perhaps you'd like to watch this brief video of "Bethlehem, Beyond the Christmas Story".
http://www.dod.org/Products/Bethlehem--Beyond-the-Christmas-Story__DOD2165.aspx
The stream stopped before it was completely over but it provides a glimpse into the land now. The presumed birthplace is enshrined and gaudy but it is also protected. You will learn a little history that may help your understanding as you continue reading Luke 2.
I have never been to Bethlehem but I have stood in Efrata looking at the hills of Bethlehem on a moonlit night and it takes my mind to a night in ancient times. My imagination takes me to the hills with watchful shepherds and the lowing of sheep. Men, going about their business...men whose lives are never again the same...
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Day 6. {{ God, You & Luke 2 }}
thinking this morning and several times about this verse:
17 "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,..."
The shepherds have always been the characters I am drawn to. I think of when the angel came and they went to see Jesus, it says they spread the word.
In the last few years there have been moments God has spoken to me. Sometimes, I didn't really want to accept what He was telling me...like when it was to surrender everything and move to Israel. It was a touchy topic but within months I was embracing those words to me and the changes that had taken place in my heart.
Another time He was calling me to go back for a different purpose. This time I would go alone and meet up with 12 people who were strangers to me and be in His land for nearly three weeks.
When God speaks to you, it's "Life Changing". You aren't the same anymore. You can't be, You have been touched by His voice, His words, His presence. And who among us could keep that a secret? You don't want to...you want to tell everyone, spread the word. Like the shepherds go tell anyone who will listen and people marvel because deep down they want to hear from God too.
Yes, it's special when God speaks to you, He chooses to impart something to YOU.
He chooses because you have made a decision to come to him by reading His Word. Every time we come to read our Bibles He speaks. Even in reading the same passage daily, we get something new...Come read me with me...Luke 2.
17 "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,..."
The shepherds have always been the characters I am drawn to. I think of when the angel came and they went to see Jesus, it says they spread the word.
In the last few years there have been moments God has spoken to me. Sometimes, I didn't really want to accept what He was telling me...like when it was to surrender everything and move to Israel. It was a touchy topic but within months I was embracing those words to me and the changes that had taken place in my heart.
Another time He was calling me to go back for a different purpose. This time I would go alone and meet up with 12 people who were strangers to me and be in His land for nearly three weeks.
When God speaks to you, it's "Life Changing". You aren't the same anymore. You can't be, You have been touched by His voice, His words, His presence. And who among us could keep that a secret? You don't want to...you want to tell everyone, spread the word. Like the shepherds go tell anyone who will listen and people marvel because deep down they want to hear from God too.
Yes, it's special when God speaks to you, He chooses to impart something to YOU.
He chooses because you have made a decision to come to him by reading His Word. Every time we come to read our Bibles He speaks. Even in reading the same passage daily, we get something new...Come read me with me...Luke 2.
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