The Shepherds' Dilemma (Luke 2:8-20)
Rev. William L. Barron, December 17, 2017Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
The Good News began in Genesis 3 and was proclaimed more fully through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets, and even on through Mary and Joseph by means of the angel Gabriel proclaiming the virgin birth. Now we see the Good News proclaimed by an angel and an angel choir to the lowly shepherds, who were likely overseeing a flock of sheep intended for sacrifice in the temple. Now, the true, incarnate Lamb of God was proclaimed, an important message. How many people then missed this amazing message? Only about 100 people followed the Lamb of God through his earthly ministry. Herod received the message, but in the wrong way. However, these lowly, unworthy shepherds were the focus of this Good News of great joy. Really, who among us are worthy of this news? None--the Good News is a free gift; even to those who would reject it, it is nonetheless Good News. To those who receive it, it is great joy and abundant life. The shepherds' dilemma--the angels depart, and now what do we do? Do we go and see this savior that has been born to us, or do we continue to tend our flocks? Do we go and witness this sign that has been given to us? As they did, we should ponder the effect of the Good News upon us and our lives. We have received a free gift, and it is our responsibility to live it out. Kent Hughes points to 10 kinds of grace, among them saving grace, sanctifying grace (6 types) and glorifying grace. The shepherds made known the Good News from the angels, which was glorifying grace through the sharing of the gospel. What if they didn't go? But they did, probably with saving faith, and they could not help but tell others. How do we then respond to the Good News? Glorifying and praising God before a watching world? May it ever be so.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « The King Of The Eternal Kingdom | None | Light In Christ » |
Luke 2:8–20 (Listen)
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
(ESV)