Last week was the beginning of the Lenten season. We can also say it was the beginning of 40 Days With Jesus, since that is the study our group is using for this time. We are following the reading schedule and using their discussion questions.
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Our first reading was Luke 2:1-20.
Reading this familiar passage, I realized how we all love to tell the stories of the births of our children. Or even of our own births.
Every birth has a story, and every birth gets to live a story. And we all get a place in God’s grand story. How amazing is that?
“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (Luke 2:20, NASB)
The discussion question was: Why does God choose shepherds to be the first people to hear about Jesus?
It’s a great question to think on and there are a few possibilities:
It could be the imagery of shepherds tending sheep. Jesus would also be a Shepherd of sheep, us His people.
It could be because shepherds were lowly people. Humble. Only as we humble ourselves before the Lord are we able to recognize Jesus as our Lord and Savior; able to see our need for a Savior.
Or can it be that only as we recognize our lowly estate are we able to praise Him, and bask in the wonder of who He is and that He has chosen us?
Let’s treasure the truth of the gospel which begins to unfold in the story of Christ’s birth as we look look at the shepherds.
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Two verses found in Luke 2:51-52 give much food for thought.
Jesus – completely human and completely God. Completely perfect. Completely flawless. Completely sinless.
Perfect – something we will never be …. apart from Him.
“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (NASB)
Jesus kept on growing and learning. The writer of Hebrews tells us “He learned obedience.” Here are a few thoughts on growing and learning:
“We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” (Francis Chan)
“Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.” (Rick Warren)
We are not perfect, nor will we ever be as long as we are this side of heaven. But the good news is this:
“He draws near to us in our brokenness and covers our shame with His perfection” (from 40 Days with Jesus, page 28).
And also from Scripture:
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 4:8, NLT)
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Spending time with Jesus,
drawing close through His Word,
is the way we will grow to know Him more and more.
Photo by peyman toodari on Unsplash
Photo by marco forno on Unsplash
Amen. When I share time with the Lord, I feel His comfort and peace.
It is time so well spent as it sets the rest of the day in order.
Love-“It takes deliberate pursuit…”-sure does!
I am so glad it isn’t just me. With all the distractions lately, I am finding I must be even more deliberate than before to set aside the time each morning.
Why shepherds. I’ve asked myself that many times. While I consider myself a sheepdog (protector of the flock), I remind myself daily that I too am under the control of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Why shepherds? I think because it is their very nature to be caregivers; to the point of sacrifice for their sheep. I think of many “Under-Shepherds” I am blessed to know/have known, in the form of pastors and other leaders within the church body. Of those I have the utmost appreciation of and respect for are those who sacrifice to walk in God’s calling for their lives. Low pay, almost no fringe benefits or retirement, constantly under pressure to perform to the often artificial standards established by man, and being on-call, 24x7x365. Their family, friendships, relationships, and yes, income are often sacrificed to answer that call. More great thoughts today Ms. Joanne. God’s blessings ma’am; for heeding His call upon your life.
Deliberate pursuit indeed.