Declare Like the Shepherds
We had been at the park awhile when I did my customary head count,
1, 2…1, 2…”Where was Canon?”
It sounds awful, but I had lost him again. I could usually find him in one of two places; leading the pack in spirited game of tag or singling out someone in need of a new best friend. Ah, there he was, sitting on a bench chatting with a pretty little girl. They soon got up and purposely walked to where her father was sitting. Canon shook the man’s hand & started in on his spiel. He was quite animated with his hands waving in the air. I wasn’t worried, I knew he was doing what he does best…telling them that Jesus loved them.
Canon has always had a boldness & charisma about him. People are drawn to him and he uses every opportunity to share the gospel. He reminds me of the shepherds who boldly declared truth in the wee morning hours after witnessing the coming of the Messiah.
When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:17-18
The shepherds were unlikely messengers. These men were considered socially low on the totem pole. Most likely this was a rough crowd of dirty, unlearned men. And yet they were the first to hear the news, see the Savior & declare the good news.
So why these men? Why these shepherds?
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
I think it's because they were so aware of their station in life. Even if they didn't completely understand the details, these unworthy men felt their worth in the presence of baby Jesus & His glory. You don't keep something like that to yourself.
They told everyone!
I cannot say the same about myself. I try to move through this life with love & grace, but I lack the boldness of the shepherds. Even in the Christmas season, I struggle just to say "Merry Christmas" to the clerk behind the register. Why?
What if they don't celebrate Christmas?
What if they think I'm nuts?
What if they're offended and get angry with me?
What appears to be fear, boils down to pride. I think too highly of myself and my position in life. When, what I need to do is bow low to the Glory beheld in that humble manger and know His worth. I want to own my unworthiness, so that pride can be displaced and His Spirit may rise up within me declaring His glory. I don't want to keep Truth to myself.
While I struggle & fumble with this lesson, my prayer is to hold tightly to the example of the shepherds in hopes of learning to be bold. Maybe, like me, you wrestle to pull the words of truth out of your mouth. Or maybe you're kneeling at the manger for the first time, just discovering the Messiah. Either way, my prayer for us all would be humbleness covered by His worthiness, causing us to declare the news of our Savior to everyone.
So That God gets the glory and all will know His name.
