Why The Shepherds?
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As it turned out, the shepherds were useful as heralds.
• Luke 2:16-18 . . So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the
baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread
the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who
heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
The hearers were entertained but apparently not persuaded because to my
knowledge none of them went to see for themselves-- that was not the best
response.
• Acts 13:41 . . Look on, you mockers, be amazed and perish. For I am
doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe no matter
who tells you about it.
» I'm curious to know why the heavenly host didn't themselves rattle
Bethlehem instead of leaving it to the shepherds.
_
As it turned out, the shepherds were useful as heralds.
• Luke 2:16-18 . . So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the
baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread
the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who
heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
The hearers were entertained but apparently not persuaded because to my
knowledge none of them went to see for themselves-- that was not the best
response.
• Acts 13:41 . . Look on, you mockers, be amazed and perish. For I am
doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe no matter
who tells you about it.
» I'm curious to know why the heavenly host didn't themselves rattle
Bethlehem instead of leaving it to the shepherds.
_
Last edited:
.
• Luke 2:8-11 . . And in the same region there were some shepherds staying
out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel
of The Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of The Lord shone
around them; and they were terribly frightened.
. . . And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the
city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The Greek word for "savior" in that verse is soter (so-tare') which means: a
rescuer.
Rescuers typically help people who are in grave distress and/or imminent
danger of death and/or serious injury, and helpless to do anything about it;
e.g. Red Cross, Firemen, Emergency Medical teams, snow patrols, mountain
units, and the Coast Guard and National Guard.
Wouldn't it be awful if those agencies refused to assist desperate folk until
they first proved themselves deserving? Well lucky for everyone that those
agencies work on the basis of need rather than merit or many of us would
end up thrown back to the wolves.
I think quite a few people are under the impression that Christ is some sort
of probation officer; viz: if people "endure to the end" as they say; then he
grants them a clearance for heaven. But God forbid they should fail to
satisfy the conditions of their probation, because then they're out the door.
Probation can be likened to a sword of Damocles hanging over people's
heads by a slender thread easily broken by conduct unbecoming. How dare
the angel of Luke 2:8-11 describe his announcement as "good news of great
joy" if probation were actually what's meant by sozo instead of rescue.
On the other hand; if Christ is in the business of rescuing people from the
wrath of God in accord with the humane principles underlying normal
emergency services; then yes, I fully agree with the angel that the birth of
Christ is something to get excited about.
_
• Luke 2:8-11 . . And in the same region there were some shepherds staying
out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel
of The Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of The Lord shone
around them; and they were terribly frightened.
. . . And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the
city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The Greek word for "savior" in that verse is soter (so-tare') which means: a
rescuer.
Rescuers typically help people who are in grave distress and/or imminent
danger of death and/or serious injury, and helpless to do anything about it;
e.g. Red Cross, Firemen, Emergency Medical teams, snow patrols, mountain
units, and the Coast Guard and National Guard.
Wouldn't it be awful if those agencies refused to assist desperate folk until
they first proved themselves deserving? Well lucky for everyone that those
agencies work on the basis of need rather than merit or many of us would
end up thrown back to the wolves.
I think quite a few people are under the impression that Christ is some sort
of probation officer; viz: if people "endure to the end" as they say; then he
grants them a clearance for heaven. But God forbid they should fail to
satisfy the conditions of their probation, because then they're out the door.
Probation can be likened to a sword of Damocles hanging over people's
heads by a slender thread easily broken by conduct unbecoming. How dare
the angel of Luke 2:8-11 describe his announcement as "good news of great
joy" if probation were actually what's meant by sozo instead of rescue.
On the other hand; if Christ is in the business of rescuing people from the
wrath of God in accord with the humane principles underlying normal
emergency services; then yes, I fully agree with the angel that the birth of
Christ is something to get excited about.
_
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