Scripture:
"8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:8-12
Observation:
When God speaks to us, it can sometimes be scary––and He knows that! When Jesus was born, God decided to announce the birth of His son first to lowly shepherds. This is significant because in Bible times, the shepherds were regarded by society as insignificant. They had no power, money, wealth, or influence. They were not even considered ”ordinary” or “regular.” Rather, they were among the lowest of the low. Because shepherds were almost never clean enough to worship in the temple, society treated them as outsiders. They were disregarded and looked down upon. And yet, this is the group of people that God first proclaims the arrival of the Savior to. God came for all people, and He doesn’t expect them to be “clean” or “perfect” either. He invites us just as we are––dirt, imperfections, and all––to come to Him.
As such, the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared. Perhaps they were caught off guard. Maybe they were simply in awe––imagine if you saw an angel appear out of thin air! Regardless, the angel’s first words to them were, “do not be afraid.” Before God’s big announcement, he reassures them and says “do not be afraid.” In their stupor, He calms them and says “do not be afraid.” In their fear and terror, He comforts them and says “do not be afraid.”
Application:
What would you have done if you were in the shepherd's shoes? I wonder what I would have done if I were the shepherds. Would I bow down at the angel’s feet? Would I shout for joy and run towards God’s glory? Maybe I would begin to boldly sing songs of worship and praise. As much as I would like to think I’d be brave, excited, and zealous, if I’m honest, I’d probably react like the shepherds did––a bit fearful and terrified.
And looking at times in my life where God has spoken to me––when He’s given me direction for my life, an instruction to follow, or even a word for someone else––there have been times where I have been afraid. As I think of why that was, I think a number of factors contributed to my fear. One, I knew that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and almighty; if He says it, it will come to pass. Two, oftentimes, it required me to completely change my plans, surrender, and submit to Him. Three, I knew something significant was about to happen. The list goes on and on. Hearing from God is sometimes scary…and He knows that!
When God speaks to us, His first words are still “do not be afraid.” He calms us, comforts us, and reassures us that we can trust in Him. In fact, in the Bible, God says this phrase 365 times. That’s a “do not be afraid” for every day of the year! We don’t have to be afraid because God is a faithful God. His plans are never to harm us, but to always give us hope. We don’t have to fear for He is loving, trustworthy, and true.
When God speaks to you, it can be surprising, jarring, and, yes, scary. And God knows! When God speaks to you, do not be afraid. If you’re facing an uncertain situation, do not be afraid. If you’re worried about tomorrow, do not be afraid. Remember His promises, and know that you can trust in Him because He cares for you!
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for speaking to me even today. And more importantly, thank you for comforting me when I am afraid! I will listen to your commands. I will not be afraid; I will remember your character, I will remember your promises, and I will remember all that You’ve done for me. In You I put my trust.
In Your name I pray,
Amen
