Give Me Boldness to Obey
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12
THOUGHT
The birth of Jesus was first announced to shepherds tending their sheep outside Bethlehem. They saw the messenger of the Lord who brought the message of the coming Messiah. Initially frightened, the shepherds were quickly told not to fear but to remain faithful. The angel announced Jesus' birth and placed the shepherds at a crossroads, leaving them to decide how to respond to the news.
This moment in Scripture highlights the necessity of boldness to follow God's call. The shepherds initially felt fear because of the message they received from the Lord. However, the Lord encourages believers to act with courage based on His message rather than succumbing to fear. The shepherds required boldness to respond appropriately to God’s call as they faced a critical decision: obey or disobey.
REFLECTION
We must acknowledge that God frequently appears and calls us during everyday life. He interrupts the routine to enable us to encounter and be part of the extraordinary. Such interruptions can be unsettling and may evoke fear about the path forward. However, trusting and obeying the Lord gives us the courage to remain faithful. When we choose to follow Him boldly, we come to experience His promises and presence firsthand.
PRAYER
Lord, give me the boldness of the shepherds to obey and follow You. Allow me to respond quickly. Let me respond in joy and courage. Let me run to see what You have done and be a part of what You are doing. Amen.
