And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. Luke 2:8-17
Do you ever ask yourself questions — like … “Why the shepherds?” “Why did angels show up in force for shepherds?” Shepherds weren’t the elite status of the time. In fact.. it was the opposite. Shepherds were the small time ‘farmer’ of the culture, most likely a type of nomad. These shepherds near Bethlehem were in the ‘back water’ place in the country — really seen as ‘transients’, or ‘low-lifes’. Yet… the hosts of heaven were sent to … them… in force! Can you imagine the sky filled with bright heavenly beings … all speaking at the same time … praising God?
It seems there are quite a few stories in the Bible with angels. Then why don’t we .. who are filled with the Holy Spirit — encounter them more often? OR maybe we do … but we don’t have the discernment or the spiritual eyes to recognize them?
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
Angels showing up for shepherds means that God has much different values than we do. We need to be more mindful and attentive to the prompting and instructions from the Holy Spirit … if we ever want to grow in our knowledge and experience of the spiritual realms.
What is more ‘real’ … the spiritual realm or this physical realm we currently understand with our physical senses? Which realm will remain and which will be remade in fire? Biblical understanding will change your perspective on reality.
Although we may want to encounter an angel — our desire should always to meet with Jesus. That’s what the shepherds were instructed to do … go find JESUS!
HE IS THE ONE WE SEEK! Are you looking for Him … everyday?
Glory to God in the highest!