”Divine Humility”

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. Luke 2:8-9

Meditation:

I often wonder what it would be like if God appeared to me. "Surely I would be excited," I think to myself. Excited is probably true, but to be honest terrified would also be true.

For those in the workforce, imagine being at your job, perhaps at your desk, driving your car or truck, or doing whatever your job is and suddenly, God appears! I am willing to bet that even the most devout Christians amongst us would be fearful at first!

The same is true for the shepherds in these verses, and it makes us wonder why God chose to appear to shepherds when He could have appeared to anyone. Consider the story of the birth of Jesus: his parents, the location, the time. Christ had the most humble of beginnings. It was a choice by God so that everyone could identify with the story. He chooses to appear to shepherds for the same reason: anyone can put themselves in the shepherds’ situation and understand it. Also, if God had appeared to a king or someone powerful, the message would have changed and possibly be spread in a different manner.

Christ was born in the humblest state so that the message would spread to those that needed it the most first, to those that would believe it the most first, and to those that would spread this joy to the entire world first. It was an intricate plan by God that has stood the test of time. Prayer: Our almighty God, your blessed angels sing your praises proclaiming the good news. Strengthen our hearts, so that we may spread the good news to all who will listen. Heavenly Father, there is still so much work to be done, and we pray that you will grant us the strength to never grow tired, and to proclaim your name to all through our thoughts, words, and deeds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Author: Jose Reyes