TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15
Read: Luke 2:8-20
Listen: Luke 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Our story moves from the village of Nazareth to the fields near Bethlehem. Area shepherds are bedding down the flocks in the dark night. Lowest on the socio-economic scale, a shepherd’s job description simply said, “Care for the sheep.” It was the same thing 24/7/365: feed the sheep, protect the sheep, and go after the strays. Even when the rain came down in sheets and the sun baked the land. Very few aspired to be a shepherd. They did it to survive.
But the news of Jesus’ birth first came to these. An angel appears with news that will change the world, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” This had to be frightening for man and beast! Following the appearance of an angelic host, they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” The first thing they decide to do is “go.” They move! God has invaded their world, and they’re not going to sleep.
Our response should be the same. No matter where we are in our journey with Jesus, he always has a next step for us. It doesn’t matter who, what or where we are. It’s time to move! Like the shepherds, we need to “go.”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Identify your next step in your journey with Jesus. If you’re not sure, pray for God’s wisdom and direction. It may be serving in a new area, studying God’s word more regularly or pursuing formal biblical education or skill development in some area that will advance God’s kingdom. When you know, move!
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
