Luke 2:8-12
In Luke 1:11–19, a priest named Zechariah was told by the angel Gabriel that his old wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son who would prepare the way for Messiah. Even though Zechariah found this hard to believe and was disciplined for his unbelief, still he had the rare privilege of being able to receive God's message through a supernatural (and rather terrifying) message-bearer.
In Luke 1:26–38, the same Gabriel carried God's message to the young virgin Mary, telling her that she would give birth to the long-expected Messiah. Although Mary was apparently less terrified and more believing than Zechariah, she nonetheless was deeply troubled—probably both at the appearance of the angel and because of the message he brought her. In spite of that, Mary received the favor of knowing precisely what it was that God had in mind for her.
And in Luke 2:8–12, the most familiar Christmas passage of all, God chose to give his good news to shepherds through an unnamed angel—with affirmation from a whole host of angels! As always, the shepherds were terror-struck by these supernatural beings. Nonetheless, as with Zechariah and Mary, they had the honor of hearing God's message via paranormal preachers.
But, after Luke 2:12, most other people have to hear God's message not through angels but through people like shepherds.
We will be reflecting today on God's choice to speak to the world through regular human beings. We may think we want God to speak by sending us angels (and I'm quite sure that we would be as terrified as those who saw them in the Bible)—but usually, God sends shepherds.
On this weekend before Christmas 2010, we will consider how God sends his truth to the world. We'll think about the heart of the message he usually sends. And, we will seek to learn to listen to a God who speaks.
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
To His glory,
Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor