Fear, Shepherds, Lk.2.10f.

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:10f.). Fear overwhelmed the shepherds. They could not receive the message of the angel until their fear was shattered. Zacharias and Mary knew this fear; Peter would come to experience it (Lk. 1:12; 1:29f.). Unbelief feeds fear. God commands His people to believe. Faith robs fear of its fuel. God’s messenger provides the reason for fear’s abortion: “I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people.” One of the earliest New Testament preachers was God’s angel. He brought the “good news.” The good news was that the promises of the prophets Daniel and Micah were given flesh that very day in Bethlehem (Dan. 2:44; Mic. 5:2). The good news was not limited to a precious few. It was intended “for all the people.” In the last book of the New Testament you are made aware that God did purchase for Himself with the blood of Jesus “men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). He has commissioned you as His harvesters (Mt. 28:18-20). The angel is quite clear in his communication. He tells the shepherds that “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The Savior was born “for you.” They received an individualized gift – it was as if Jesus was born just for them. These men of ignoble occupation move with haste; they offer no rebuttal or negotiation. They acknowledge the value of possessing a Savior. How many of your friends believe they need a Savior? How many of your friends believe in their need so strongly that they are pursuing “the” Savior? Has anyone ever asked you about your Savior? No? Why do you suppose no one asks you? Perhaps in this season of your life you will offer more fully yourself to your Lord Jesus Christ in order that many would come to know Him through you. It just could be that those within your own family are measuring you with their eyes to discern if your Christianity is real and is it worthy of their lives. “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, “God with us” (Mt. 1:23).