God Guided …

Posted on by Pam R

Shepherds in their field with Angelic Directions. (Luke 2:8-20)

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The care of the animals was usually given to the youngest in the family (David) or to girls (Rachel). That may have been true for these shepherds.

So, shepherds tending flocks. Outside. At night. The first to hear the Good News. Why? For one thing, they were awake. They would have to be, since predators hunt at night and sheep were an easy target.

But notice:

  1. They were doing their job.
  2. Their fear didn’t stop them.
  3. They hurried to see Jesus.
  4. They shared the good news.
  5. And they could not contain their praise.

Wise Men who studied the sky with a Special Star. (Matthew 2: 1-12)

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

How did the Magi (or Sages, or Wise Men, but not probably Kings) knew of the expected Messiah? Perhaps this is how:

There is a man [Daniel] in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Daniel 5:11 NIV

Daniel would have known – and taught – his people’s prophecies.

And notice:

  1. They were doing their job, watching the sky.
  2. They didn’t let a difficult journey stop them.
  3. They went to the palace, expecting the new-born King would be there. (And discovered that Herod had no idea what they were talking about.)
  4. They were filled with joy at the star’s reappearance.
  5. They worshiped the Child with gifts befitting His nature (Gold – King, Frankincense – God, Myrrh – mortal man.)
  6. Warned in a dream, they did not return to Herod.

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God still guides. So,

  1. Start by being where you are supposed to be, doing your job. God meets us where we are.
  2. Don’t let fears or difficulty stop you.
  3. Follow instructions. Don’t worry if others don’t understand.
  4. Share the good news.
  5. Rejoice and worship.
  6. Finally, stay alert for further instructions.

And remember:

where God guides, He provides.