SHEPHERDS OUT IN THE FIELDS

Luke 2:8-20

 Image result for shepherds in the field public domain

 Watching and waiting ... That's something the wise men and the shepherds had in common.  The wise men were waiting and watching for signs and omens; the shepherds were waiting and watching for ... predators.  Shepherds were very observant, noticing things others would miss, because their lives and their livelihood depended on it.  You know what the first rule of shepherding is?  Keep your eyes open and on those sheep because:  (1) They tend to wander off and get themselves into trouble,  and (2) they will bite.

If we, like the wise men and the shepherds are watching and waiting, we shouldn't be surprised to encounter God in the most unexpected places and in the most unexpected ways.  Just be prepared never to be the same again.
Being a shepherd wasn't on the top ten list of professions in Israel.  First of all, you always smelled like wet sheep.  The pay wasn't that good, you were out in all kinds of weather, and you never got invited to any of the really cool parties or were chosen to run for the town council.

And did I mention the smell?

And, yet, these were the first ones God chose to announce the birth of God's Son to.  Not the rich and powerful.  Not all the important religious and civic leaders living in Jerusalem, and not King Herod or the Roman governor of Israel.  Why?  Maybe to make the point that God invites not only the elect, the select and those judged worthy by the world's standards to receive such an honor.

The angel said, "I bring you good news for all people .."  All ... Republicans and Democrats; the soccer mom in the SUV who cut you off in traffic; the kid in drive through who messes up your order; the teacher in school who didn't believe you, the person who hurt you intentionally; the working poor, like the shepherds, who we seldom never notice.  All. You.  Me -- with all our imperfections, our wounds, our brokenness and our fears.  All.

An encounter with God can be scary.  The bible says that they were filled with terror and awe, and  they were never the same.  In a way, they were the first evangelists, the first to go out and share the good news with their friends and neighbors.  Christ, the Messiah, had come to live among them. 

Like the shepherd, God comes to us all.  Sometimes, we're not expecting it, and then suddenly, everything changes.  Our lives can never be the same, and that can be pretty frightening.  Yet, that call on our lives brings such good news, such joy and hope. 

The story of the shepherds reminds us of the inclusive and unconditional love of God that seeks out everyone.  It also teaches us something about God that we should remember as disciples of Christ:
God chooses who God wants to choose.  There is no test, no rule, no set of standards.  God chooses who God wants to choose.

So wait and watch.  God has something incredible in store for you.





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