Luke 2

Luke 2 (NASB)

So I wonder why is it that sometimes those who see God's glory or angel would be fearful or frightened, like Zacharias (Lk 1:12) and the shepherds (Lk 2:9)? Is it because of sudden appearance that causes that reaction or is it because it is God showing up in our lives? Should we be afraid? If I truly believe God is love then why should I fear? Shouldn't I anticipate great things from Him when He shows up personally to me? Or do I push Him away and control my own way? Isn't it what I want is to walk with God? But if I believe that God is also just then am I ready to give my account of my life? One pastor once said in his sermon to encourage everyone to live each day as if it is judgment day.

It was a significant event when Jesus was born; God chose to reveal His birth to the shepherds in the field (v.9). Why shepherds? Also, these shepherds were not identified with names. If God chose them for this event they must be very important but why not identify who they were? But of all the people, the Roman officers and governors were identified with names (v.1-2)! It reminds me of many missionaries that were sent to bear the suffering for the gospels, some were well identified by generations of people but many were not known by their work and contribution to God's kingdom. Are these unknown people less important in the work of God then? No, not so. They were just as important in the eyes of God but they were used by God as a different instruments of His good news, just as you and I.

Faithful as they were, these shepherds once heard about what they were told, believed and go on their way, once seen with their own eyes they made known to others and glorifying God (v. 15-18, 20). It is almost like saying, once HEARD of the good news è BELIEVED è GO è WITNESS to others è GLORIFY GOD.

Jesus, being God himself, went through the life of a human form, growing and learning (v. 40, 46), subjecting to His parents (v.51) and the law of people (Matthew 17: 24-27), finding favor with God and men. He had been through and lived in our society… at this moment I feel that He knows me more than I thought… He knew clearly His purpose on earth (v.49), do I? How may I also increase in wisdom (v.40 and 52) as I grow older, by the grace of God…

Mary, woman of mind and heart, pondering (Lk 1:29, Lk 2:19) and treasured (Lk 2:19, 51) all these things that happened in her life. May we remember what God has done in our lives and may we love our God with all our hearts and our minds.

-cy