Luke 2:15-20

Luke 2:15-20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

An interesting aspect of this story is the shepherds told everyone about what the angel told them. Now, many of us when hearing their story would wonder seriously about what hallucinogenic mushrooms they were eating. This story of the angels' visitation would have been difficult for us to swallow, but the shepherds were thrilled to tell the story after they found baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem, confirming the angel's words to them. However, the scriptures say that Mary pondered what she had been told by them, meaning she placed their words in her treasure chest of memories. The scripture does not indicate that she got really excited upon hearing the shepherds' words, but that she did consider their validity. I am sure she felt their words confirmed the words the angel told her. But, as a new, inexperienced mother, she needed to see how God would carry out his will in this little baby lying in her arms. She knew she could not plan out his life; she had to wait to see how God would implement his plans for her child, so she pondered the shepherds' words.

We also need to ponder special words given to us by Christians. Many times their words confirm something God is doing in our lives or something He has said He will do. But, we still are responsible to reflect and to judge every message given to us whether or not people believe they were divinely inspired when they speak to us. The shepherds went away rejoicing, and many times people who pray for us and give us a special word from God go away rejoicing, but we, the recipients, must always ponder the words. We must consider all "special" words in the context of our lives, our needs, and particularly in view of God's plans. Over the years, Jacqueline and I have received many "special" words from lovely, God-driven people. Some thought we should be in full-time ministry; others thought we would be healed of this or that ailment. Many wonderful words have been said to us over time. Some have come true, but others haven't, at least in the way they were stated to us. But, we always considered the words were given out of good intentions. We received the messages gladly, for we knew the people were stepping out in faith by saying these "good words" to us. They were trying to be led by God. But, Christians should not be led solely by other people's words or good intentions; we are to be led by the Spirit of God and the Scriptures.

Mary had to allow the words of the angel to be carried out in her son's life. She could not make her son into the Son of God. We, too, can consider and reflect on words given to us for encouragement, but we are responsible to wait upon the Lord to hear his direction for our lives. Just as Mary could not make her son into God's Son, others cannot make us into adopted Sons of God, fulfilling his purpose on Earth. Each of us has the responsibility to hear the Holy Spirit within us and to follow hard after our Father God. We thank the Lord for encouraging words of faith and hope, but daily we look to our Father for guidance through reading his Word, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit within us. As we ponder the blessings and the miracles of God, we are reminded that we are not alone. We have the fellowship of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, and we have Christ in us the hope of glory who promised never to leave us or forsake us. We have the written Word and the living Word, and we have the indwelling Comforter to guide and direct us. We are a blessed people! Praise the name of the Lord. As the shepherds, we glorify you today, Lord, for all we have seen and heard.