The Shepherds’ Response

Luke 2:17-19 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.

I always love the shepherds response to the message from the angels. When they heard the news, they had to go and see. When they saw it, they were so overwhelmed with excitement that they told the story to everyone they met.

I enjoyed The Chosen’s Christmas special and Dallas Jenkin’s rendition of “The Shepherd.” Check it out if you haven’t seen it. (Youtube – The Shepherd) When the shepherds see the child, they rush back into town and tell everyone they meet. The people are skeptic. The religious leaders are antagonistic. But, they don’t care. They have seen the Messiah, and they want everyone to know!

Luke 2:18 “All who heard it wondered…” That’s probably a kind way to say they thought they were crazy. But the shepherds didn’t care.

The people wondered, but Mary treasured the words of the Shepherds, because she knew what they were saying was true. You know, we carry that same message! We know the truth. In today’s world, filled with fear and worry. News of people dying because of Covid, and the media keeping everyone afraid. We should be like those shepherds. We have the message of hope! And it doesn’t really matter what other people think of us. Let them think we are crazy. Let them be antagonistic. But, don’t let their response dampen the excitement of your message!

The shepherds returned glorifying God for all they heard and seen. May that be the testimony of our lives too!

As we launch out into 2021, my prayer is that I would be a bolder witness, and that I would not be ashamed of the message. That God’s love for us would be on my tongue often. Pray for me in that. I will pray for you too. That our response would be similar to that of the shepherds.