And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:13-15 ESV)
When we read this story, it’s easy to forget that these shepherds had nothing to offer Jesus. The shepherds were not religiously polished scribes, they were not socially connected men of influence, they were not wealthy merchants, and unlike the wise men they did not come with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These guys lived under the stars with only the clothes on their backs, a staff to guide the sheep, and a rod for protection. What God wanted most is the one thing they had to offer—themselves.
Is it possible that in the solitude and simplicity of their lives, the shepherds were in the perfect place to encounter and enjoy God? Maybe when we realize we have nothing to offer God, that’s when we’re in a unique position to encounter and enjoy Him.
Most of us already know the following truth: this kind of God-given joy does not come from having everything we want. Some of the most miserable people appear to have anything and everything they want. Check out Donald Trump– he’s that guy. He gets anything and everything he wants, BUT we’d never mistake what he has for joy. When our lives are filled up with things of infinitely less value we lose out on enjoying God.
What is your ultimate source of joy?
Pastor Mike Says 