History Books in 90 Days: 1 Samuel 13-14
ANGELS & SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:8-14 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their
flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and
lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his
favor rests.”(NIV)
The first to herald the tidings that Christ was coming to save men were the angels who had never
sinned and who needed no Saviour. The first hymn honouring Christ came from a multitude of
heavenly host. How fitting that the Good Shepherd who was coming to bring life to the sheep first
announced His birth to shepherds watching over their flocks. As soon as they heard that Jesus
was born they immediately left to go and see Him. There was no debate about who should stay
back with the sheep; they just went to adore the Christ child. Jesus’ birth was one of the greatest
events in the history of the universe yet its actual occurrence was not known to all mankind.
Instead it was revealed to shepherds – the illiterate, men with little to no schooling. The angels
made known the birth of the Saviour to these shepherds not to the Scribes and the Pharisees (the
intellectuals of the day). No angelic choirs proclaimed that Christ was born in the assembly of the
Sanhedrim where the chief priests and Pharisees met together. Doesn’t this give you HOPE – God
came to save all mankind, not just the intellectuals! He is looking for humble hearts whom He can
work through, is He finding a humble heart in you?
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Lord to show you ways that He wants to grow you in humility. Then commit to
following through on what He shows you.
2. The Lord shows no favouritism, no matter what your background, He died for YOU! Praise
Him for that, worship Him for the equality that we have as His children.
3. Pray that as a church we would grow in accepting all people!
