“Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people:” (Luke 2:8-10)
Why did shepherds receive the freshly printed, published and posted good news from Heaven concerning the promised Messiah? I suppose a bit of subjective thoughts are necessary to answer the question, but I also believe our subjective thoughts can be based on some objective observations, with one (in my mind) being most notable.
Shepherds were common folk with a common job. It was the common folk who most often readily accepted heavenly messages. This truth would play out in the ministry of the newly born babe the common shepherds would excitedly tell others about (Mark 12:37 NKJV). With God, common people are very special!
Outside of a city closely connected to one of Israel’s greatest historical shepherds, the diligent shepherds in the field that night would be given the first opportunity to talk to the common people about a future shepherd who would lead his flock with a very loyal and uncommon love (John 10:11-16).
“Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)
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