The Shepherds Message Of Joy And Hope

The Shepherd’s message of Joy and Hope

Luke chapter 2:8-20

Introduction- Good Morning to you this morning, we are glad that you are here.

Pray that as we move into the second week of Advent that you are preparing your heart for His arrival.

That you would have a tender heart for the things of God.

He would be able to speak into your life… changing truths with life changing power.

Prayer

We have been in a series called Holding onto Christmas. Today looking at the shepherds proclaimed message of Joy and Hope. Two things badly needed.

We can get so busy that we could miss Christmas if we are not careful.

Last week, we looked at the Christmas story through the eyes of the innkeeper.

The person who would not have room for Jesus. Pre-occupied with life that they miss life

This morning I want to look at the shepherds…

Luke chapter 2:8-20

Let me tell you about the shepherds!

They were the last people on earth that you would expect the God of the universe to tell and show the plan of God.

They were religious outcasts.

They were unclean and un-kept.

They did not smell good.

Somebody had to keep the sheep and they were the ones that drew the short stick.

They were uneducated

One commentary said that they would be like modern day truck drivers (no offense) who were not able to be in church often because of their job of long hours and being away from home so much.

Because they didn’t get to know many people because of their traveling, they were often looked upon with suspicion, like a carnival worker or a gypsy that was always traveling.

There job in a nut shell was to watch the sheep.

They were watchmen! This past Wednesday small group we talked a lot about watchmen-

Scriptural watchmen were to be a look out, spy, one who could peer into the distance and spot an enemy, who could wait well, follow directions. This sounds like what this group of guys but they only had to worry about the sheep who were entrusted to them to watch!

There job was to protect sheep- one of the dumbest of animals- secure them, make sure they don’t hurt themselves, do not let any unauthorized people or animals in that could harm them, investigate unusual conditions and prevent damage to them or property.

Do not let anything happen to them. KEEP AWAKE AND KEEP EYES OPEN FOR DANGER

That was a hard job because sheep are not the sharpest tool in the shed being led by not the smartest of people.

Sheep would follow each other into danger if they were not looked after.

Think about it, if your God,(don’t think too long on that)

Would you really want to announce the most terrific news imaginable, and use a group of social outcasts?

God has a plan.

The shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks, and the Lord shows up right where they are at.

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 (right now) in the town of David a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” And you will find him wrapped up in Bethlehem in a manger.”

I am sure there are many reasons for God to use shepherds, but one that I thought of was because who better can relate to those people that feel overlooked, counted out,, or one that felt they have no more chances in life.

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people! The shepherds were included in the all people and they were used by God to bring a message for everyone- what better group of people could have brought that great news!

Isaiah the prophet told God’s people that a savior of Israel would be a shepherd to God’s people.

See you can say what you want about the cleanliness and status of the shepherds but they took watching the sheep seriously.

Jesus called himself the good shepherd.

One that would lay down his life for the sheep.

One that would not run when the wolf comes to destroy.

Who better to understand that then shepherds.

Jesus coming mission among men, Jesus identified himself as the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11.) In the Savior's time and place, a shepherd not only loved them but would risk his life for them.

God is no stranger to shepherds!

King David was a shepherd boy before he was anointed King of Israel.

Moses was called of God while shepherding the flock of his father-in law Jethro. (Moses experienced God’s presence in a burning bush)