Come, running!

Come, running!

The Christmas story includes some men regarded by others in their time as the lowest, people without social status. The shepherds lived apart from society, tending Bethlehem’s sheep. Sheep herding was a menial job. The men were rough, their work hard. Their job kept them from the synagogue and from observing Jewish rituals so the smug Pharisees sniffed that shepherds were all sinners.

But God chose to bring them into the scene. To whom does HE first announce the New moment? Shepherds! "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." (Luke 2:9-10, NKJV) "So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:15-16, NKJV)

I’m intrigued by that phrase - “they came with haste.” After the angels left them, there was a short discussion, and then these men who normally avoided town, who were obligated to make sure their flocks were safe, took off running to find Jesus! `

Have you been pushed aside, told that you’re not worthy of God or His goodness?
Have you concluded that you are beyond the reach of grace, too _____________ (bad, good, sinful, old, young , rich, poor)?  People have lots of reasons (excuses) for not hearing God’s call.

You’re not too anything to be beyond God’s love. Jesus Christ is ’ good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ His coming opened the way to reconciliation with the Lord, to discovery of eternal life. He invites to “Come, follow Me.” Interestingly, that particular offer was made to another group of very ordinary men, outside of the social or religious elite. He invited the fishermen of Galilee to discipleship. They, too, dropped what they were doing. "At once they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:20, NIV)

Some are reluctant disciples (an oxymoron really) and others are eager to follow. Some come pushed by fear, some drawn by love. Some are looking for escape from the troubles of life, others to find the entry to life abundant. There is a form of Christianity shaped by satisfying holy obligations in order to ‘earn’ the favor of God. Then, there are those who love the Lord, His work, and His presence.

To those who come running, there is this promise. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV) "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6, NIV)

So, what kind of disciple are you?

________________

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels.

Yea Lord, we greet Thee,

Born this happy morning.

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n.

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing.

O come let us adore Him.

O come let us adore Him.

O come let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

C. Frederick Oakeley | John Francis Wade

Public Domain