“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 has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15 NIV)
The shepherds had an angelic encounter. They had basically been accosted by an angelic host who gave them a message of great hope. When the angels lifted off, the sky closed up and the shepherds were left with a choice. Stay put and pretend nothing happened or lead their sheep to a whole new pasture.
We note they talked it over: “they said to one another, ‘Let’s go.'” They rallied each other toward obedience This is a strong directive for us as God followers. We need friends and coworkers who encourage us in obedience, in taking the next right step toward whatever heaven has for us next. We need those friends and need to be those friends.
There is untold blessing in obedience. The no-longer sleepy shepherds would step into a stable standing shelter over the King of Everything. They were privileged guests at an incredibly exclusive baby shower. They would surely treasure the wonder of that evening in their hearts for the rest of their lives. We know they wound up being evangelists; spreading their story of the infant King to all who would hear it.
“When they had seen Him, the spread the word concerning what had been told totem about this child and all who hearts it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17 NIV)
We are realizing, so much of the Christmas story centers around obedience. Obedience makes a way for God to move in our story. Obedience makes way for miracles. Obedience proves our loyalty to God over our selves. Despite it’s current unpopularity, obedience is still a priority to our Creator-Sustainer.
Friend, I pray you and I have the courage to be obedient this Christmas. If God is calling us to something, may we go ahead and say ‘yes.’ He might be inviting us to observe a miracle, we may be the ones to tell of what we’ve seen. Let’s encourage each other to be obedient, ready to witness whatever God wants to do in our stories.
Lord, we still struggle with obedience to Your instruction. Please forgive us as we recommit again. We want to follow through on anything and everything You are calling us to. Help us find and be friends who want to live congruent with Your Word. May we encourage one another in our pursuit of You. Amen.