God Takes Notice of Faithful, Ordinary People

When we read the story of Jesus' birth in the books of Matthew and Luke, we cannot help but recognize God's faithfulness in loving his creation, mankind. We love the parts of the story where God uses ordinary people to invite them to see the promised Messiah. In the book of Luke, we read of the appearance of the angels to the shepherds, men and possibly women, others would see as less than. Men and women no one else would think to invite to one of the most critical events in history. Their ignominious positions are not hidden from the readers as we see in Luke 2: 8 "... there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." It was they who were invited first, and we recognize God's view of people is without favoritism.

But Why Shepherds?

Let's read what the angels proclaim after informing the shepherds of this magnanimous news being offered to them. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” These were not simply ordinary men and women; they were in good and godly company with whom the Old Testament defines as the remnant of Israel, faithful men and women who had not lost hope in God's promise to deliver a Savior to Israel.

These shepherds were not alone waiting for the "Consolation of Israel." There were also Simeon, a man who was just and devout (25-32); also, Anna, who "did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers (36-37), and also those who were unnamed, in verse 3,8 "those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem." There were more, even if we don't read about them.

God was not looking to pass this essential information through anyone; He intentionally knew where to find those "with whom he was pleased." Those of proven faithfulness, maybe they waited at the temple, sold product in the marketplace, or shepherded Israel's flock, but He knew whom he could invite to the birth of His Son. Many were waiting while living their everyday lives.

The very men and women the LORD sent his angels to prove their continued faithfulness in Luke 2:16 "And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. Their wait was over; now they went with excitement to share the news with everyone, yet we see that not all had waited with the same vigor. Luke 2: 18 tells us that many were not as certain: "And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them..." The remnant would not be thwarted; their exhale that the wait was worthwhile is shown in verse 20: "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." Everyone in the story connected to the remnant received the news without hesitation.

The satisfaction offered to these shepherds and all the remnant who waited because of what was proclaimed through the Old Testament Law and by word of the Prophets was seen as faithful. While we meet them in the fields keeping their flock, they had not lost touch with God through faith that He would keep His Word, and because they were true to him in their waiting, He met them with a well-done and the first invitation to meet His Son.

They were, as the angels said, those for "Whom He is (was) pleased!" Faithful men and women chosen intentionally as they waited for the promised Messiah, doing their everyday tasks. These ordinary shepherds were not as ordinary as we thought, maybe by the estimation of society and those around, but not to God. God sees who is waiting faithfully for His Promises. In due time, He always makes good on them.

He did not make an accidental appointment that starry night, but knew he'd be met with worship if he sent the angels to those who had not given up on his promise.