December 16, 2022: Luke 2:10 - Good Tidings of Great Joy

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.’” - Luke 2:10

An angel of the Lord appeared not to the Jewish religious leaders but to humble shepherds, keeping watch over their sheep, to bring to them the good news of the birth of Messiah, the good shepherd, the One who would give His life for the sheep.

The shepherds were chosen first to hear the good news about Jesus the Christ because as with them, whose flocks knew their voice, and they knew their sheep, and their sheep followed them, so would Jesus know His sheep, and we who know Him know His voice, and we follow Him.

This chapter of Luke lovingly demonstrates that religion can’t save anyone. Only the good shepherd can save us. Religion puffs up but faith in Jesus Christ humbles, for no matter how “good” we think we are, we are filthy compared to the glory of Jesus.

Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is the greatest gift ever given to mankind. He is our good news, for He offers salvation from sin. He breaks the bondage of sin that keeps us from living our lives the way God planned it to be, both here and in eternity.

Is Jesus your good shepherd? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? Does He know you? Do you know Him and His voice? Are you following Him or are you like so many who are like sheep without a shepherd and who have gone astray?

I pray you cry out to Him like a lost sheep, listen to His voice as He calls you safely to the shelter of His rod and His staff that will comfort you, and follow Him all the days of your life, where goodness and mercy will follow you, and you will dwell in His house forever. 🐑🙏🏻✝️