Bethlehem

Tearful Goodbyes

Naomi may have been separated for a time from her land and the customs of Jewish worship and law, yet she did not lose her desire to return to what she knew.

The first five verses in Ruth gave us some important details of people involved, location, time and specific circumstances. (See Chasing Rainbows, Ruth 1:1-5). In a short review, we have Elimelech leading his family – wife Naomi, and sons Mahlon and Chilion – out of Bethlehem in Judah and into Moab during a time of severe famine. Moab was widely known as a land which worshipped heathen gods. Elimelech dies and both sons marry Moabite women – Ruth and Orpah. Then Mahlon and Chilion die, leaving Naomi, Ruth and Orpah as widows in a culture and time where woman were quite dependent on men for their care and provision. This is a dire situation. We now pick up the book of Ruth in verse six – Naomi makes decisions and takes action for her future and that of her daughters in law.

Ruth 1:6-7 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the land of Moab, for she had heard in the land of Moab that the LORD had visited His people in giving them food. 7 So she departed from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.

Naomi makes a decision to return to Bethlehem. She hears that the famine is over which would mean there is now better opportunity for her care amongst the family and friends she had left behind when moving to Moab with her husband and sons. Although circumstances may lead us to believe that God has forgotten his children, this is never the case. He bestows His blessings at the perfect time, often requiring us to trust in His timing and direct provision. He will always provide what is necessary in our lives for His glory. Do we recognize this in our own lives – do we see God’s blessing hands guiding us?

Exodus 4:31 So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.

Ruth 1:5 says “the Lord had visited His people in giving them food”. Many families say a prayer of thankfulness when they eat. I pray we do not just say words habitually but instead recognize it is God’s blessing to have food to eat. God cares for His children, He knows our needs and bestows every good gift upon those who love and obey Him. It is easy for us to become expectant of having food when we are hungry. We should always remember that every blessing is a gift from God’s hand. It is His goodness that sustains His children.

James 1:17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

Matthew 6:11 says, 'Give us this day our daily bread’ as an example of how we ought to pray to God – recognizing whose hand it is that sustains us.

Elimelech had determined it was necessary to move out of Bethlehem during the famine but now that Naomi has heard it is over, she intends to return to her own country. Her decision may have been influenced by the reality that she was a woman alone in a strange country with little hope for providing for herself. She had no male relatives to seek for her welfare in Moab.

Both Naomi’s daughters in law accompanied her at the beginning of her return to Judah. Since the assumption is Orpah and Ruth had families in Moab, they must have had somewhat of an endearing relationship to Naomi to consider leaving their own means of support. Orpah and Ruth are now young widows and the same difficulty that Naomi faces of sustaining herself applies to them. It seems the easier thing for the young widows to do would be return to their Moabite relatives for support and the hope of remarrying. Even with their husbands no longer living, their faithfulness to Naomi speaks of their affection and kindness toward each other. Think again about the differences in the land and customs each of these women came from. Naomi was from Bethlehem, a country of devoted Jews, largely following the laws God handed down to Moses for the nation of Israel. Orpah and Ruth grew up in a land devoted to idle worship, perhaps including acts of abomination, far removed from the one true God. It doesn’t seem these women could be farther apart in their culture and practice.

We don’t have a written record of Naomi’s reaction to Mahlon and Chilion marrying the women from Moab. It may have been difficult for her to accept the decisions her sons made as they went against what they had been taught. Perhaps Naomi felt there was no other solution since they now resided in this foreign country and her husband, Mahlon’s and Chilion’s father, had died. Whatever her reaction to Orpah and Ruth, what we do see is that they had formed a close enough relationship to care for one another. Naomi had shown grace toward these young women even though it may have been difficult to accept them. Think about how this example of graciousness may translate to your own life and relationships. Are we reluctant to reach out to those who may look or think different than ourselves? How do we react toward the seemingly unwise decisions of others? Do we forget God will use all things for His glory and purpose? Our responsibility is to be longsuffering, always being ready to share truth, having an encouraging and gentle spirit in the hopes of a soul being drawn towards Christ.

1Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant,

2Corinthians 6:1, 3-4, 6 And working together [with Him,] we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain-- 3 giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,

Back to our story line in Ruth. Orpah and Ruth walk with Naomi at the beginning of her travel back to Bethlehem. One commentary says it was the custom to accompany those whom they loved some part of their way when they went on a long journey (Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary). This again speaks of the relationship that had formed between Naomi and her daughters in law. The next verses, eight and nine, tell of Naomi’s encouragement to her daughters in law to return to their families.

Ruth 1:8-9 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 "May the LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband." Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.

It is possible that this conversation took place as the three women came to the borders of Moab. Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to go back to their own mother’s house. She recognizes their kindness to herself and to her sons while they had been living, and she dismisses Orpah and Ruth with a blessing.

Consider this possible application as we look at our own relationships. Are we kind to the individuals God has placed in our lives? This is more than just smiling or having nice words to say. It is desiring God’s favor and mercy to be shown. Even when things get difficult do we continue in our care for one another, looking out for others best interests? Widowhood would expose Orpah and Ruth to a life of hardship. Desiring that they return to their own families and stay in the land where they are known would give them the best chance of finding a husband. Naomi is thinking more of them than herself. It would have been much easier for Naomi to have them accompany her on her journey back to Bethlehem. The three women had been through difficult circumstances together and the thought of parting was sorrowful. A kiss was the usual sign of greeting and farewell.

In conclusion, Ruth 1:6-9 has continued to be action packed. Upon hearing of God’s blessing in lifting the famine from Bethlehem, Naomi makes a decision to go back to her country after the death of her husband and two sons. Her daughters in law begin accompanying her, as was custom, to the edge of Moab. Naomi then encourages each of them to go back to the homes of their relatives where they would have the best chance of securing a future for themselves. A small insight into the women’s relationship together suggests that it was one of kindness and affection. Ruth dismisses the young women with a blessing that the kindness they have shown towards herself and her sons when they were alive, is turned towards them. Finally we read of the difficult and emotional good-byes as each woman prepares to go on her way.

Some additional thoughts to consider:

Naomi may have been separated for a time from her land and the customs of Jewish worship and law, yet she did not lose her desire to return to what she knew. What is our response when we are removed from our church family for a time? Do we miss being in fellowship? Does our desire to return remain strong?
Naomi’s concern for her daughters in law happiness is evident. We read this in verses eight and nine and down through verses 11-13 of this same chapter. The same desire of ‘rest’ – a more peaceful and secure life than that of widowhood – is again spoken of by Naomi toward Ruth in chapter three verse one.

Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?

When our circumstances seem dire, are we still able to focus on the blessing of others? Do we suffer from tunnel vision, only able to see our own difficulties?

Chasing Rainbows

Do we easily become discontent with our circumstances? Do we hastily try to fix things on our own? Do we prayerfully consider if there is truly a call to change direction or does our trust in God need to grow?

The book of Ruth is sandwiched between Judges and 1 Samuel, acting as an appendix to Judges and an introduction to 1st and 2nd Samuel. Ruth is the shortest of the historical books and at its conclusion, it contains the genealogy of Jesus. God uses all things for His glory – including an unsuspecting foreigner from a heathen land! The exact time Ruth was written and the author of Ruth is somewhat uncertain. We have a general period of time that the writings of Ruth took place during the days when the judges ruled and during a time of severe famine. There are three possibilities of authorship: Hezekiah, Ezra and Samuel, with most theologians agreeing on Samuel as the author. With this bit of background information, let’s begin our study.

Ruth 1:1-2 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons [were] Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. Now they entered the land of Moab and remained there.

When – The days when the judges governed.

Where – Bethlehem in Judah and the land of Moab

Who – Elimelech (el-ee-meh’-lek), Naomi, Mahlon (makh-lone’) and Chilion (kil-yone’) – a family from Bethlehem

The setting of this book quickly moves from Bethlehem to Moab. There was a famine in the land, a judgment on the Jewish nation from God foretold in Leviticus chapter 26.

Leviticus 26:19-20 'And I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. 20 'And your strength shall be spent uselessly, for your land shall not yield its produce and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.

During this time of famine, Elimelech chose to relocate his family to a more fertile area – Moab, a country south-east of Judah (Palestine). This was in order to provide for his family. Here’s a thought to consider: on one hand this move seems good in the caring of his family. Yet, it begs the question of perhaps trying to get by with less and trusting God more. Sometimes necessity dictates a move or change in direction, yet, not always. Moving to a land which was known to worship heathen Gods would directly influence Elimelech’s family. Waiting patiently upon God’s provision and answers is a choice we can all make.

Bring these questions even closer to your own personal circumstances. Think! Sometimes, when we choose to make a change which seems for the better, we are avoiding a deeper problem. For instance, I heard a conversation between two individuals where one was determined to move out of state because it was becoming too liberal. This may be true, however, the opportunity to share truth becomes greater when we are surrounded by unbelief. Did Jesus hang around only those who thought like he did? Could the real problem reside in our own discomfort or disconnect with a church family to encourage us? Are we chasing after the hollow promise that ‘things will be better’ in general if we make a move?

Most people have heard the idiom, ‘chasing after rainbows’. In our human thinking we can easily be distracted by the thought that there is something better to attain, somewhere better to live, a better career to pursue, and sadly, even a better relationship then the ones we have. The truth is we have everything to live a life honoring to God right where we are. There is no need to chase after something more. To my knowledge, no one has been able to catch a rainbow!

We do have freedoms to make decisions we think are best but let’s not make choices based on discontent. God placed each of us right where He wants us and He will use our circumstances for His glory if we are obedient to His calling. This can be applied in many different areas of life – our families, our careers, the number of children we may or may not have, our relationships, our geographical location, our health, the home in which we live, and on and on. We can choose to trust that God will use us where He put us; He will provide for us and care for us if we sincerely desire to follow Him.

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and [yet] your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

The Family Bible Notes says: “To remove, from a regard to worldly circumstances merely, out of a land of religious light and privileges to a land of darkness and idolatry, is a course full of danger, and likely to terminate in distress.”

As we continue in the next verse of Ruth, we indeed see that grief entered into Elimelech’s family.

Ruth 1:3-4 Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. 4 And they took for themselves Moabite women [as] wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. And they lived there about ten years.

There is no exact time frame to follow regarding Elimelech’s death. It may have been shortly after the family arrived in Moab. Naomi was left with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. We are only somewhat familiar with the impact that Elimelech’s death would have on his family. We need to step back in time and culture to fully appreciate the dire circumstance this mother found herself in.

According to The Complete Guide to the Bible, written by Stephen M. Miller, “Widows, along with orphans and immigrants, were among the most vulnerable people in Bible times. It was a man’s world. Women were minors in a court of law – like kids today. Women were also the property of men – fathers, husbands, or sons. So women generally weren’t allowed to own property or conduct business. They weren’t considered capable of that since their education was typically limited to household matters: cooking, sewing, and hauling water.”

No matter the culture we live in or the circumstances we find ourselves, whether in trouble because of our own poor choices or being disciplined through God’s love, He has promised to care for His children. God will guide us through the greatest difficulties – always for His glory.

Psalm 34:4, 19 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Do we hold on to God’s promises even when our own circumstances seem dire? We are never beyond God’s reach if we seek Him. No trouble or problem takes God by surprise. We can always find peace and security as we seek to follow Him.

Naomi finds herself a widowed mother of two sons. Ruth 1:4 gives us information that her sons seemed to have integrated fairly well into a society that did not honor God. In Bethlehem, the family had followed Jewish law and at least Naomi had continued on in that belief enough for Ruth to take notice later in this chapter.

Perhaps without strong leadership from their father Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion had forgotten or decided to forego the teaching of their God. If we have been blessed with family, it is extremely important to consider the time we have with them as an opportunity to teach them by our speech and our example, of God truths.

Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth – Moabite women. Reading the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary definition of the word ‘took’ translated from nasa’ is interesting. There are several applications but what stood out to me were the words ‘accept’ and ‘yield’. These descriptions caused me to consider the importance of who we constantly place around us and the influence of culture. While we need to be out in the world, the necessity to guard against the enticement of sin is of utmost importance. It is easy to begin to think differently even without our immediate notice. Jewish law stated it was a grievance against God for Mahlon and Chilion to marry outside of their belief.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 "Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. "For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you.

‘Them’ refers to the foreign nations which were known to worship heathen gods. The nation of Israel was told to have nothing to do with them, ‘make no covenants with them and show no favor to them’ (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

Ezra 9:1 Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, "The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, [those] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

If you have spent time with children that are school age, you have certainly witnessed the surprising words and actions they repeat that they’ve been exposed to on the playground. Often, they are unaware what inappropriate words or actions even mean, they have just been influenced and are copying what they see to fit in. Influence happens quickly. Consider the impact of a television show or movie. Children, and sometimes adults, quickly pick up on a phrase or event and repeat what they’ve seen and heard. If you have worked outside the home, you understand how easy it is for mannerisms to ‘rub off’ on you. ‘Worldly’ behaviors can be adopted into our lifestyle if we are constantly surrounded by them. It is imperative that we fight against their influence. We do not and should not live in a protective bubble, but we must guard that our awareness does not become dull.

Have you been negatively influenced? How do you stay aware so this doesn’t happen? Are you careful to guard your heart or are you careless in choosing to constantly being exposed to things that dishonor God?

We can quickly think that we are impervious to poor influence in our walk. Years ago, one of my children began picking up an attitude. With this attitude was the rolling of the eyes which was done as a definite sign of disrespect against authority. Of course, this child was disciplined for this behavior – several times and over what seemed to be an agonizingly long period. To my dismay, unbeknownst to me, I had picked up this same expression from him. I didn’t even realize it until I was in the front yard working with my husband and he said something to me that apparently I didn’t agree with or didn’t like. I rolled my eyes at my husband, which he didn’t see, fortunately. One of my neighbors however, who had been talking with us, did see my rude expression. Needless to say I was embarrassed, humiliated and horrified and apologies followed. I had not meant to be disrespectful to my husband, but had picked up on the expression I had seen so often in our child! Influenced – guilty as charged.

Back to our account of Ruth. After about ten years, we read in the next verse of this section that Mahlon and Chilion died.

Ruth 1:5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; and the woman was bereft of her two children and her husband.

According to some commentaries, the death of Naomi’s sons may have been judgement upon them for marrying women who were not Israelites. In any case, in the course of ten years, Naomi is without her husband and sons and in a place of strangers. This situation truly is desperate in that time with no means of support and no males in the family to provide.

Fast forward this account of extreme calamity in Naomi’s life and we know God is working all things out for His good and will use her to glorify Himself. This should cause us to remember the lovingkindness of God towards His children even in their often futile attempts at following Him. He does have a plan in spite of our poor judgement and weakness. Our sin is not bigger than God’s grace. Jeremiah reminds the Israelites of this in his letter sent from Jerusalem to those who were captive in Babylon. The Israelites are warned to beware of being deceived in Jeremiah 29:8-9. Then they are reminded that God is continuing to work in their lives and will bless them, in verses 11-13.

God is always faithful to bring about His perfect plan. In the most difficult of circumstances, comfort can always be found in God. Even in Naomi’s extreme condition of sorrow, God is working. He is preparing a young widow’s heart to express compassion and care.

While Shepherds Watch Their Flock by Night…

Picture, the Shepherds in the fields on a night like so many other nights keeping watch over their flocks and in an instant this night was set apart as glorious and terrifying all at the same time. We have this vision of brightness and an angel appearing, then, in Luke 2:10, the angel speaks.

The Shepherds.

Following the timeline of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for the census and the baby Jesus being born in a manger, we read in Luke of shepherds in the area. They become part of the setting of Jesus’ birth.

Lu 2:8 And in the same region there were [some] shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.

These shepherds were camping in the countryside guarding and caring for their flock. What might be of note is according to tradition, the sheep were in the fields closer to the time of spring and summer which leaves open to questioning our December nativity scene. However, through culture and custom, we celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25th. What is important is the event, perhaps more than pinning down the exact date. Back to our shepherds attending their flock by night.

The night hours, under the cover of darkness, would provide an opportunity for wild animals to prey upon the defenseless sheep hence, the shepherds would stay awake to keep an eye on them for protection and keep their flocks from straying. According to Albert Barnes New Testament Commentary, this can be more literally translated as “tending their flocks by turns through the night watches”.

What does the life of a shepherd look like? Certainly, they would need to be diligent workers in order to maintain the gathering of their flock into one area. Also, they would need to be dependable. Neglecting their turn at watch or becoming distracted could mean the loss of sheep.

Recall that when David was a shepherd keeping watch of his father’s flock, he had to fight off the attack of a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34). In the book of Exodus, we are given the information that Moses was a shepherd also, attending his father-in-law’s flock.

Smith’s Bible Dictionary gives us some practical information of a shepherd’s life. Their equipment consisted of a covering probably made from sheep skin to keep warm and a sling for a weapon. Traditionally, there would be small huts or shelters set up or they may have had their own form of a type of tent. And, as depicted in many nativity scenes, a shepherds crook to manage the flock would be common. Water would be supplied either from a stream or from a trough attached to a well.

The routine of a shepherd, again taken from Smith’s Bible Dictionary, was to lead the flock from the fold in the morning by calling to them and settling them into a pasture, sometimes with the assistance of dogs. The shepherd would provide water then in the evening, bring them back and check to see of any were missing. At night, he would keep watchful over the herd to protect them. Being a shepherd also required a certain care of the young lambs and those lambs who were weak.

Although the concentration here is on the shepherds, you cannot miss the correlation between the care of the actual livestock to the care of Christ’s own referred to as His sheep. This truly is a beautiful picture of our own protection from God and His tender mercies towards His children.

Imagine, the dark sky in the hills of Bethlehem, the shepherds keeping a diligent watch over the flock at night. The hustle and bustle of the city quieted down,

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

This was not an everyday occurrence!! A quiet, peaceful dark sky, then instantly, the night was illuminated. One second, you blink your eyes and the next, you see standing before you an angel shining with the brilliance of God. There was no warning. We can only imagine the shepherds fear at this sight!

Recall the blinding light that appeared before Paul on the road to Damascus.

Ac 22:6,11 "And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 11 "But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

Often, a great light is connected with God’s glory and His angels.

Ex 24:16-17 And the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. 17 And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.

Ps 104:1-2 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty, 2 Covering Thyself with light as with a cloak, Stretching out heaven like a [tent] curtain.

Re 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Re 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Re 18:1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory.

Lu 2:10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people;

First, thankfully, the message is do not be afraid. It’s like someone telling you everything’s going to be okay in a disaster – you can appreciate the truth to their statement yet it takes a bit of time for your heart to stop racing and your brain to calm down! Trust trumps fear! Think of the proclamation to Zacharias when told that his wife Elisabeth would have a son in Luke 1:13. The words, ‘fear not’ preceded the impossible news. An angel also told Mary not to fear when she was visited with the news of her conception in Luke 1:30. Daniel was told to ‘fear not’ in his vision in Daniel Chapter 10. In Matthew, an angel appeared to the women seeking Jesus after he was crucified and buried, and told them to not fear (Mt 28:5). These accounts remind us of the incredible circumstances surrounding God’s messengers to His children. Angel’s appearing with divine messages were not every day, normal happenings, but miraculous events. Hence, although exciting, these events were also alarming.

The shepherds are given a reason why they need not fear. This messenger of God has brought good news! The words in the KJV are “good tidings of great joy”. This is the gospel as we understand it, and with it comes exceeding joy – the way of salvation for all men! I wonder if the shepherds had any idea the role God had chosen for them to play in the announcement of His plan of salvation for all mankind.

Lu 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

I’m not certain we are able to imagine the joy this news brought to the shepherds.

Consider. What would our expectations be as humans for the announcement of a king? Perhaps, a herald of angels in a setting of pomp and circumstance filled with an innumerable amount of people eagerly awaiting to catch just a glimpse of royalty.

Notice the reference not only to ‘good news’ and ‘great joy’ but also to ‘all the people’. Jesus was born to this earth for everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike, there were no exclusions in this announcement.

“The good tidings thus brought by the angel were of importance most universal and unlimited, reaching through all successions of time, and all extensions of place, filling all ages and all regions of the world with matter and with obligation of joy. In these tidings we are all concerned, and it is our duty to listen to them with reverent attention, seriously to weigh the purport of them, and diligently to contemplate the reasons of that great joy which should be effectually produced in us by them, as their proper and due result”. Dr. I. Barrow’s commentary in the British Family Bible

Think of the excitement that must have begun in the hearts of the shepherds as they are listening to this proclamation from God! These shepherds are probably of Jewish background and have knowledge of a coming Messiah and have been awaiting the fulfillment of this promise. The scene that is unfolding before their very eyes is the way to forgiveness and peace with God and this is for everyone, the Jewish race and all humans!

A Savior. Christ the Lord. The One who delivers. The ruler of heaven and earth.

Mt 1:21 "And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins."

Joh 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

This is not just a news event that the shepherds are hearing. This is an event that directly involves them. It is what they have been expecting, the Messiah has been born. For them! Born as a gift to deliver them from sin and death.

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Personally, consider the difference between hearing of something that has happened in a far off land, and that same circumstance taking place in your own home or neighborhood or town. The shepherds in the fields have a direct stake in this event and it must have filled their hearts with an incredible disbelief of their fortune! As you think of the event taking place, realize you are personally involved in this plan of salvation for all mankind. Has your heart been changed by the Savior of the world? Do you recognize Him as Lord? Do you see your need for His deliverance?

Jesus – the Lord of all. Ac 10:36 "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace

Jesus – the Head and Ruler of the church. Eph 1:22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,

Jesus – the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Re 19:16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Jesus – the Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

2Ti 1:9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 2Ti 1:10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

Lu 2:12 "And this [will be] a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger."

The shepherds are told where to look for the infant. They were given specific direction. Although we often may not understand God’s ways, we do have instruction to follow. We may easily get caught up in asking ‘why’, as in ‘Why is the baby lying in a manger’. Perhaps we do not need to be as concerned with the details as we are with the main point – Jesus has been born!

Luke goes on to record that a literal army of angels appeared and were praising God! The scene continues to become more magnificent. They were saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)

I am unable to comprehend the grandeur of this moment. The angels depart and the shepherds begin speaking to one another. We do not have to imagine their conversation as it is recorded for us!

Lu 2:15 And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds [began] saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

It seems from the wording that this was not a decision that took long to make. The KJV says ‘Let us now go’. The word now or de in Strong’s Greek is a particle of emphasis or explicitness. There is a conveyance of urgency. The shepherds wanted to see for themselves what the angels had proclaimed. They had been given a special revelation from God about their Messiah’s birth and they were going to act on it!

God’s children are given revelation through His Spirit in His word of how to live pleasing to God. What do we do with the information we have? Is it filed away for another time? Do we take immediate action? When sin is revealed to us, do we respond with repentance? When a certain direction is revealed to us, are we willing to walk toward it? When the need change is revealed to us, do we accept it?

Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives this insight, “let us go across the country at the nearest, that we may lose no time, that we may speedily see this glorious reconciler of God and man. All delays are dangerous: but he who delays to seek Jesus, when the angels, the messengers of God, bring him glad tidings of salvation, risks his present safety and his eternal happiness. … Reader, be wise. Acquaint thyself now with God …”

When we read Luke 2:15, what we do not read is the shepherds questioning what they had been told or what they had seen. Although, the event itself was out of the ordinary and probably quite spectacular, the shepherds take the information and believe. They quickly make their way to Bethlehem.

Lu 2:16-18 And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

First, we saw the shepherds’ quick response to God. Now we read they share the words the angels proclaimed about this Child with the parents. Then they tell others the testimony of what they had witnessed with those around them. The Messiah has come, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)

How do you respond when you have good news? Are you excited to share with others?

God used the shepherds. They tarried at a simple task of caring for their livestock. They were nomads, roaming the countryside, guarding their flocks. Yet, they believed and became the first to proclaim the Gospel to others. God uses His children for His honor.

2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;

Ps 66:16 Come [and] hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

Ps 71:17-18 O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and I still declare Thy wondrous deeds. 18 And even when [I am] old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Thy strength to [this] generation, Thy power to all who are to come.

Wonder – this is the response of those who heard the good news. To be amazed, to have admiration. To marvel.

The shepherds in the fields were part of God’s plan and are forever etched in our mind in scenes depicting the birth of Christ. They heard, they believed, they responded, they witnessed. God has given us an example to follow.

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Tag: Bethlehem

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