THE FAITH OF THE SHEPHERDS

Title: THE FAITH OF THE SHEPHERDS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 2:8-20
Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:1, Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION:
The shepherds in the story of Christ’s birth were ordinary men performing their daily duties when they were visited by angels with extraordinary news. Their response to the message of Christ’s birth demonstrates a faith that is worthy of reflection and emulation. The faith of the shepherds teaches us about believing in God’s word, acting on His instructions, and worshipping Him wholeheartedly.

1. THE REVELATION TO THE SHEPHERDS

a) God Reveals Himself to the Humble:
The angelic message came to shepherds, showing God’s willingness to communicate with the lowly (Luke 2:8-9).

b) The Glory of God Manifested:
The shepherds witnessed the glory of God, which filled them with awe (Luke 2:9).

c) A Message of Joy:
The angel brought good tidings of great joy to all people (Luke 2:10-11).

d) A Sign Given:
The angel provided specific details about finding the Christ child in a manger (Luke 2:12).

e) Biblical Example:
Moses received a divine revelation through the burning bush, which transformed his life (Exodus 3:1-4).

2. THE RESPONSE OF THE SHEPHERDS

a) Faith in Action:
The shepherds immediately decided to go to Bethlehem, demonstrating their faith in God’s word (Luke 2:15).

b) No Hesitation:
They left their flocks to seek the Saviour, prioritising spiritual matters over material concerns (Luke 2:16).

c) Obedience to the Word of God:
They followed the angel’s instructions without questioning or doubting.

d) A Shared Testimony:
After seeing Jesus, they shared the good news with others (Luke 2:17).

e) Biblical Example:
Abraham’s faith led him to obey God without hesitation, even when it involved great sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-3).

3. THE WORSHIP OF THE SHEPHERDS

a) A Heart of Gratitude:
The shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had seen and heard (Luke 2:20).

b) Acknowledging God’s Faithfulness:
They recognised the fulfilment of God’s promises through the birth of Christ.

c) Public Declaration of Praise:
Their worship was not private but a public declaration of God’s greatness.

d) Transformation Through Worship:
Worship transformed their ordinary night into a divine encounter.

e) Biblical Example:
King David’s heartfelt worship brought him closer to God and led to divine favour (2 Samuel 6:14-16).

4. LESSONS FROM THE FAITH OF THE SHEPHERDS

a) God Uses the Ordinary:
God often reveals His plans through ordinary people who have a heart for Him (1 Corinthians 1:27).

b) Faith Requires Immediate Action:
True faith is demonstrated through immediate and unquestioning obedience (James 2:17).

c) Worship is a Natural Response to Revelation:
A genuine encounter with God leads to heartfelt worship.

d) Faith Leads to Testimony:
The shepherds’ faith led them to share their testimony, impacting others.

e) Biblical Example:
The apostles’ faith after Pentecost led them to preach the gospel boldly, transforming lives (Acts 2:37-41).

5. THE IMPACT OF THE SHEPHERDS’ FAITH

a) A Witness to the World:
Their testimony was a witness to the truth of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:17).

b) A Model of Faith:
Their simple, childlike faith serves as a model for believers today (Matthew 18:3).

c) Inspiration for Worship:
Their example inspires us to glorify God in every circumstance.

d) A Legacy of Obedience:
The shepherds’ faith left a lasting legacy of trust and obedience to God.

e) Biblical Example:
The faith of the centurion inspired Jesus to declare it as an example for all believers (Matthew 8:5-10).

CONCLUSION:
The shepherds teach us that faith is not about status or knowledge but about obedience, trust, and worship. Their response to the angelic message demonstrates a heart willing to believe, act, and glorify God. As we reflect on their faith, let us strive to emulate their example in our daily lives, trusting God wholeheartedly and proclaiming His greatness.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to the humble and lowly.

2. Lord, give me the faith to trust and obey Your word without hesitation.

3. Father, help me to prioritise spiritual matters over worldly concerns.

4. Lord, fill my heart with gratitude and worship for all You have done.

5. Father, use me as a vessel to share Your good news with others.

6. Lord, let my faith lead to transformation and testimony in my life.

7. Father, help me to glorify You in all I do and say.

8. Lord, inspire me to take bold steps of faith, even in uncertain times.

9. Father, let my life reflect the light of Christ to those around me.

10. Lord, strengthen my faith to stand firm and trust in Your promises.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that your faith will open doors to divine encounters.

2. The Lord will use your testimony to bring joy to others.

3. Your obedience will lead to unprecedented blessings in your life.

4. The light of Christ will shine through you, drawing others to God.

5. Every doubt in your heart is replaced with unwavering faith in Jesus’ name.

6. The joy of the Lord will fill your life as you walk in obedience to His word.

7. Your faith will inspire others to seek and trust God.

8. You will experience the glory of God in extraordinary ways.

9. The testimony of Christ will never depart from your lips.

10. The power of faith will transform every ordinary moment into a divine experience!