Shepherds and Angels: Responsible Care and Attentive Service By Pastor Dan Kennedy © December 18, 2011 www.pastorkennedy.com (On the website above, click the link to “recent message notes” to view this message online.) The Christmas season is filled with many wonderful reminders of Christ’s coming! One of the traditions that many churches celebrate from time to time is that of the lighting of the Advent Candles, reminding us for five weeks before Christmas, of another aspect of God becoming man in the Person of Jesus Christ. We have recently looked at “Prophecy” – the predictive emphasis of the first candle, unique to the Judeo-Christian Bible and, the following week, “Bethlehem”, the lowly place to exemplify the Humility of Christ, for the second candle. The third candle is for the Shepherds and the fourth focuses on Angels. These two subjects will be the emphasis for this message. Luke 2:8–20 The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Shepherds: Examples of Responsible Care Why Did God Choose Shepherds? It is interesting that God revealed His Son’s birth to shepherds. Why did He choose shepherds to announce Christ’s Birth…not kings, not politicians, not religious leaders, or powerful, well-connected leaders of the tribes of Israel who could easily proclaim far and wide, the greatly anticipated birth of the prophesied and coming Messiah? It was to these shepherds in the fields on the outskirts of Bethlehem, watching their flocks by night that God chose to proclaim the most important announcement in the history of the world! These lowly, caring shepherds were the only ones sitting on the front row of God’s dramatic stage of the universe, in this exclusive and dynamic proclamation of the Angelic Host – heralding the arrival of His Only Son, the world’s Redemptive Messiah and coming Eternal King of kings! Why did God choose shepherds to introduce His Son into the world? And…why does the occupation of “Shepherding” permeate the history of God’s Chosen People? From the beginning the Israelites were known as Shepherds When Joseph, as governor of Egypt, brought his father, brothers and family into Egypt, they were introduced to Pharaoh as shepherds. Genesis 47:3 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” David was a shepherd before he became King of Israel, and then he became “shepherd” over Israel. Psalm 78:70–72 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. 72 With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand. 2 Samuel 5:1–2 5 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ ” When you think of shepherds what comes to your mind? We normally do not see many shepherds guiding their flocks through the streets and pathways in North America, so we who may have never seen a living shepherd might equate them as a truly “outdoor” person – maybe someone similar to our image of a cowboy – spending nights around a campfire, being ever attuned to the wild environment around his flock or herd. Shepherds, though, do not normally ride horses! They walk with their flock. They guide and lead their sheep to pastures where they could be fed lush grass and drink from quiet streams to quench their thirst. They would corral their sheep at night to keep them safe from predators. They would lay down their life to protect the sheep under their care. • Shepherds guide their sheep on the best path – not necessarily the easiest path. • Shepherds feed and nourish their flock with the best nourishment they can find. • Shepherds protect their sheep day and night. • Shepherds provide a safe place for their flock to be corralled and sleep. • Shepherds are loyal and protective of their sheep, to the point of death. Why did God choose shepherds for this amazing announcement and for a continuing pattern of leadership for His Body? If there were one attitude depicting responsible leadership and personal care that God wanted to reinforce on the hearts of His people – it would be the humble, responsible care evidenced by shepherds. God highly prizes this attitude in the hearts of His people, and this attitude of humble responsible care will be exemplary in His Coming Kingdom! God Himself evidences the Attitude of Humble Responsible Care. This is the heart of a true Shepherd. Genesis 48:15 15 And he (Jacob) blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day… Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 80:1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Isaiah 40:10–17 10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? 14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. Jesus identifies Himself as “The Good Shepherd” John 10:11–16 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. God wants Leadership under His Authority to Exemplify His Characteristics of being Good Shepherds! 1 Peter 5:1–4 Shepherd the Flock of God 5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. A true Shepherd’s attitude epitomizes who God is and how He wants His servants to respond to those under their care and responsibility. Who should have a Shepherd’s attitude? Dads Moms Older brothers and sisters Those who care for those who are less fortunate Those who care for any in the Family of God Leaders in the Church Mature Christians A Shepherd’s attitude is an example for us all! Did God reveal the message of Christ’s Birth to those shepherds in the Judean fields beside Bethlehem, to point out the qualities of Responsible Care…as qualities He wants Children of His Kingdom to replicate? The fourth candle in the Advent Candle represents Angels…. Angels: Examples of Attentive Service At Jesus Christ’s Birth… Where: Angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields by Bethlehem What: An angel was accompanied by an angelic heavenly host Doing What: Angels praised God and told of Christ’s birth Through the Centuries Angels appeared to: ¬ Abraham and Sarah ¬ Lot ¬ Jacob ¬ Gideon ¬ Sampson ¬ Ezekiel ¬ Daniel ¬ David ¬ Zechariah ¬ Joseph ¬ Mary ¬ Jesus ¬ Peter ¬ Paul ¬ John on the Isle of Patmos …And many others! Why do angels exist? What is the Scriptural answer? “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 “Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Psalm 103:20, 21 Angels Attentively Serve God! Scriptural Aspects of Angels • Angels are more powerful than men (2 Pet. 2:11); • Man was created (for a while) to be a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7); • Jesus, born as a man, was made (for a little while) to be a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:9); • Angels are not to be worshipped (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; Rev. 22:9); • The Son of God is much higher than the angels (Heb. 1:4); • “I will confess the name of the one who overcomes, before my Father and his angels” (Rev. 3:5); • The angels do not know of that day and hour of Christ’s return (Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32); • Angels desire to look into spiritual things (1 Pet. 1:12); • We will judge angels (1 Cor. 6:3); • Some falsely say there are no angels (Acts 23:8). Angels worship God • Bless the Lord, you his angels (Ps. 103:20); • Sons of God, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength (Ps. 29:1); • Praise him, all his angels (Ps. 148:2); • At the creation the sons of God shouted for joy (Job 38:7); • There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10); • A multitude of the heavenly host praising God (Luke 2:13); • The angels around the throne fell on their faces and worshipped God (Rev. 7:11). Angels worship Christ • Let all God’s angels worship him (Heb. 1:6); • I heard the voice of many angels around the throne praising the Lamb (Rev. 5:11–12). We are not to pray to, or worship angels; we are to only pray to and worship God! Angels live with God in heaven • You have come to tens of thousands of angels (Heb. 12:22); • Their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father (Matt. 18:10); • The sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord (Job 1:6; 2:1). • “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” (Luke 1:19) Angels accomplish the work God directs them to do • God directed two angels to deliver Lot from Sodom (Gen. 19:1); • God will send his angel before you (Gen. 24:7; Gen. 24:40); • I am sending an angel ahead of you (Exod. 23:20); • I will send an angel before you (Exod. 32:34; Exod. 33:2); • God sent an angel and brought Israel out of Egypt (Num. 20:16); • My God sent an angel and shut the mouths of the lions (Dan. 6:22); • God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her of her conception of Jesus (Luke 1:26); • God sends His angel to show His people what must soon take place (Rev. 22:6); • I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you (Rev. 22:16); • The angels of God met Jacob (Gen. 32:1); • Would my Father not send more than 12 legions of angels? (Matt. 26:53); • The angels of God were ascending and descending the stairway (Gen. 28:12); • The angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man (John 1:51); • A watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven (Dan. 4:13). • An angel of the Lord rolled away the stone (Matt. 28:2–7); • An angel of the Lord opened the prison (Acts 5:19); • An angel of the Lord released Peter (Acts 12:7–10); • Now I know the Lord sent his angel and rescued me (Acts 12:11); • An angel of the Lord struck Herod (Acts 12:23); • A strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice (Rev. 5:2); • An angel holding a golden censer (Rev. 8:3); • Tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb (Rev. 14:10); • Another angel came out of the temple (Rev. 14:15; Rev. 14:17); • The angel who has power over fire (Rev. 14:18); • Seven angels with the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1); • One of the creatures gave the seven angels the bowls of the wrath of God (Rev. 15:7); Telling the seven angels to pour out the bowls (Rev. 16:1); • Seven angels with seven plagues (Rev. 15:6); • I heard the angel of the waters say (Rev. 16:5); • One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls spoke to me (Rev. 17:1); • I saw an angel standing in the sun (Rev. 19:17); • Four angels holding back the winds (Rev. 7:1); • An angel having the seal of God (Rev. 7:2); • Seven angels with seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2; Rev. 8:6); • An angel clothed in a cloud (Rev. 10:1); • An angel flying in mid-heaven (Rev. 14:6); • A second angel followed (Rev. 14:8); • A third angel followed (Rev. 14:9); • An angel coming from heaven with great authority (Rev. 18:1). Angels were involved in giving the law • Angels were involved in the giving of the law (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19); • The angel spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai (Acts 7:38); • The word spoken through angels (Heb. 2:2). Angels are identified as looking after God’s Elect • Are not angels ministering spirits? (Heb. 1:14); • He will give his angels charge of you (Ps. 91:11; Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10); • Angels attended Jesus (Matt. 4:11; Mark 1:13); • An angel strengthened him (Luke 22:43); • An angel fed Elijah (1 Kgs. 19:5; 1 Kgs. 19:7); • An angel of the Lord directed Philip (Acts 8:26); • He sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him (Dan. 3:28); • The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22). Angels will be coming with Christ • The Son of man will come with his angels (Matt. 16:27); • When the Son of man comes in glory and all the angels with him (Matt. 25:31); • The Son of man will come with his holy angels (Mark 8:38); • The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2 Thess. 1:7); • In the glory of the angels (Luke 9:26); • The Lord came with myriads of his holy ones (Jude 14); • He will send his angels to gather the elect (Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27); • The Son of man will send out his angels (Matt. 13:41); • The reapers are angels (Matt. 13:39); • The angels will separate the wicked from the righteous (Matt. 13:49). Specific angels are mentioned in Scripture Gabriel • The man Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; Dan. 9:21); I am Gabriel [to Zechariah] (Luke 1:19); the angel Gabriel [to Mary] (Luke 1:26); Michael Michael, one of the chief princes (Dan. 10:13); Michael, your prince (Dan. 10:21); Michael the great prince (Dan. 12:1); Michael the archangel (Jude 9); Michael and his angels (Rev. 12:7). Angels are identified with different Churches • To the angel of the church in Ephesus write (Rev. 2:1); • To the angel of the church in Smyrna write (Rev. 2:8); • To the angel of the church in Pergamum write (Rev. 2:12); • To the angel of the church in Thyatira write (Rev. 2:18); • To the angel of the church in Sardis write (Rev. 3:1); • To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write (Rev. 3:7); • To the angel of the church in Laodicea write (Rev. 3:14). Angels appeared to various people throughout Scripture • An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:9); • Cornelius saw an angel of God in a vision (Acts 10:3; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:30; Acts 11:13); • An angel appeared to Paul (Acts 27:23–4); • I said to the angel who was speaking to me (Zech. 4:4); • Joshua was clothed in filthy garments, standing before the angel (Zech. 3:3); • Another angel came to meet the one who spoke with me (Zech. 2:3); • The angel roused me like a man awakened from sleep (Zech. 4:1); • The angel who was speaking to me (Zech. 5:5; Zech. 5:10; Zech. 6:4); • An angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai (Acts 7:30); • The angel who appeared to him in the bush (Acts 7:35); • He showed it by his angel to his slave John (Rev. 1:1); • There were two angels seated where Jesus’ body had been (John 20:12); • A vision of angels (Luke 24:23); • Men with white clothes at the resurrection (Mark 16:5–7; Luke 24:4–7); • Two men in white clothing at the ascension (Acts 1:10); • Some said an angel had spoken to him (John 12:29); • Suppose an angel has spoken to him? (Acts 23:9); • Christ was seen by angels (1 Tim. 3:16). Angels interact in the lives of human beings • Some have entertained angels unawares (Heb. 13:2); • Whoever confesses me before men, I will confess before the angels of God (Luke 12:8); • Whoever denies me before men, I will deny before the angels of God (Luke 12:9); • We sometimes become a spectacle to the angels (1 Cor. 4:9; the Book of Job); • Women should acknowledge spiritual authority because of the angels (1 Cor. 11:10); • If an angel from heaven should preach a different gospel, it is accursed (Gal. 1:8); • The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20).[1] [1] Day, C. A. (2009). Collins Thesaurus of the Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. ~~~ “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 Angels are powerful spiritual beings who Attentively Serve God in His Kingdom! Conclusion Shepherds and Angels – Responsible Care and Attentive Service Why did God choose shepherds for this amazing announcement by His angels and for a continuing pattern of leadership for His Body? • Shepherds guide their sheep on the best path, not always the easiest path. • Shepherds feed and nourish their flock with the best nourishment they can find. • Shepherds protect their sheep day and night. • Shepherds provide a safe place for their flock to be corralled and sleep. • Shepherds are loyal and protective of their sheep, to the point of death. If there were one attitude depicting responsible leadership and personal care that God wanted to reinforce on the hearts of His people – it would be the humble, responsible care evidenced by shepherds. God highly prizes this attitude in the hearts of His people, and this attitude of humble responsible care will be exemplary in His Coming Kingdom! Who should have a Shepherd’s attitude? Dads, moms, older brothers and sisters, those who care for those who are less fortunate, those who care for any in the Family of God, leaders in the Church, mature Christians – a Shepherd’s attitude is an example for us all! Angels God also wants us to be aware that He has Special and Powerful Spiritual Angelic Representatives who interact in the lives of those on earth and are Attentive to His Will. We do not pray to angels; we pray to God and He sends angels to do His bidding. We do not worship angels; we worship God alone. May we serve God faithfully with the humble responsible care in the attitude of Shepherds and may we realize that God has many angels and powerful means to fulfill His will! God has sent us His Son…and We can trust in Him!