God of the Insignificant
Luke 2:8-12 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:15-18, 20 “When the angels went away from them into heaven the shepherds said to one another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made know the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds had told them. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Today we light the Shepherd Candle or the Candle of Joy.
Shepherding is an ancient and respected profession in Jewish life. It fell to the youngest son to shepherd his father’s flocks.
The shepherd was trained by his next oldest brother and with a set family order was considered to be the most insignificant son in the family. His opinion not sought, his wisdom not required in family decision-making.
We see evidence of this in 1 Sam 16. The prophet Samuel is looking to anoint the next king and asks Jesse if his sons are all present because God has rejected the older sons. Jesse responds in vs. 11 “There remains yet the youngest but behold he is keeping the sheep.” Surely not him, Samuel? He’s but a boy, a shepherd!
But God had told Samuel not to look at outward appearance. Why? Because the only thing that mattered to God was the state of the person’s heart.
No wonder the shepherds watching their flocks that wondrous night in Bethlehem were astounded and terrified! They, the most insignificant of their families had just been granted the first look at the glorious unfolding of a significant event – them! Not their fathers or older brothers, but THEM!
Their fear turned to jubilation when they realized they had been entrusted with the most exciting news of that time and the good news was to be for ALL people, them included!
Don’t you love that after they checked out the story in Bethlehem they returned to their flocks? Hearts of character, commitment, endurance and perseverance…now filled to the brim with joy and probably seeing their value in an entirely new light. They mattered! They had been seen! They were worth it!
Do you feel unheard and lonely? Less-than or inferior? God’s revelation to those who feel insignificant is special. His message to you today is that you matter deeply, he sees you, hears you and understands you. You are worth it!