“And they came in haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:16 KJV

Can you imagine with me those shepherds, standing in the field, minding their own business when all of a sudden the sky breaks apart with brilliant light shining all around?  Can you imagine how thunderous the voice of the angel sounded as he delivered the best news ever to these dusty, dirty, unkempt men tending to their sheep?   How awesomely astounding is it that God would choose these men, looked down upon by society to announce the birth of the ultimate and last sacrificial lamb that would take away the sin of the World. (1 John 2:2) ALL of the World's past, their present and our future.  

What was it like to stand there, the sky split apart revealing a glimpse of heaven and surrounded by, the Word says in verse 13, a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God;

“Glory to God in the highest. 

And on Earth peace, and goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14

When the angels departed and heaven closed back up, darkness fell across the sky.  They said “let's go!” and left immediately to find the new born king of kings.  The shepherds gave no concern or thought to what would happen to their flocks, or what their families or friends would think.  

There was no question or hesitation, they just responded immediately to God’s call and said “Yes, Lord.”

Once they saw the face of heaven in that manger, they went out and told everyone.  All who heard, marveled at the news! 

Those men, after beholding the face of our savior, returned glorifying, and praising God for His love revealed.

Don’t you know…I believe God let the Shepherds be the first to see because He wanted there to be no room for doubt that His love, His perfect gift of salvation is available for ALL who would receive it.  Church, the privilege was given to the least of these to demonstrate fully the inclusion of every single person who was, is and yet to come.  

Salvation was born that day and the reason we are here this day and able to stand and praise His holy name!  Hallelujah!  We are here to spread the good news, just as the shephards did.  Luke 2:20 says “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”  What an amazing privilege to be the first to proclaim the gospel of Jesus, the first pioneers of the Great Commission!  

Psalm 32:8 says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”  His eyes are upon us at all times and always instructing us, we just have to say yes.  We just have to say “YES”.

What’s going to be on the other side of your “yes” today?  What does God have for you?  It’s irrelevant of your age, who you are or your position in life.  Obviously, look at the shepherds; they were considered the least of these.  At that time in history they were looked on by society as the lowest of the low and look what God did!  He took the lowest and used them as an example and definition of our savior; Jesus is referred to and prophesied many times as our “Good Shepherd”.  What does He have for you? What will be waiting on your path God has designed just for you when you say “Yes, Lord”?