(See Luke 2:8-20)
Shepherds were not revered in society at the time of
Christ’s birth and were often disregarded in social circles. Yet, the Lord
granted them a revelation that many in palaces would never know or accept. This
is just like the Lord to give great gifts to a small group of social misfits.
Even more beautiful to me is that those sheep were with them and although they
were only stubborn, mute animals, they were shown something that even King
Herod could not see.
Today, our ministers (shepherds) are often despised by the world. This
happens in part because of the abuse of some ministers in the denominational
world who seek personal profits over the gospel. However, ridicule often comes
to those ministers and their sheep who take a stand for what God has revealed
to them. The Church of God shepherds and sheep who have a heavenly vision of
the Body of Christ and where it is located are often the object of scorn to the
rest of the world. It stands to reason that the world would consider us
arrogant to think we know about something they have not yet seen. This is
surely how the shepherds in that field would have been viewed by the world.
These
shepherds could have just sat down and relished their vision, but in verses 15
and 16, they discussed going to find the King and then they moved with action.
They made their way to the manger and they joined the heavenly worship when
they saw Him. Their actions didn’t stop there. In verses 17 and 20 we see that
they told what they had seen. They shared their vision and revelation with
everyone.
Shepherds and sheep, today some of you
can rejoice that you have received a vision of the Body of Christ. You know
who the “It” is of Ephesians 5:25-28. You know where It is.
You, by the grace and wisdom of God, have solved the great mystery of Ephesians
5:32. If this is the case, you cannot go back to the fields and resume your duties
as shepherds or good sheep without wanting to spread the good news—the
whole gospel.
the
found, we must not fail to go and spread it abroad. Sometimes those who need to
hear it and see it are right beside us on the pew. Sometimes they are straying
and need to be guided back to the Fold. Sometimes they operate on a small portion
of light, but have not yet been able to see what you know in the Word of God.
Sometimes they are completely lost. In any case, you are not a nobody with
a worn-out message! You have been given a heavenly vision and you have been
given the mandate to share it.
As
you celebrate the birth of our Savior this year, share the whole light that has
been revealed to you! The world may not appreciate your work, but the Lord
chose you to do it. You may never live in a palace or be revered by the masses,
but you were selected by heaven to do this good work. Go without fear to win
the lost and keep the found with the full light and revelation of Christ and
His Church through the Assembly Band Movement this year!
Merry Christmas!
Allene Cox, General ABM
Coordinator
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