In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the extraordinary. We often find ourselves so caught up in our routines that we miss the miraculous unfolding right before our eyes. But what if I told you that God is still in the business of miracles? What if I said that He’s inviting you to encounter the supernatural, just as He did with a group of humble shepherds over two thousand years ago?
Today, we’re going to dive deep into Luke 2:15-20, a passage that recounts one of the most awe-inspiring moments in history – the night when heaven touched earth and shepherds became the first witnesses to the birth of our Saviour. This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a living testament to God’s power and an invitation for us to experience His presence in our lives today.
Let’s read the passage together:
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:15-20, NIV)
As we unpack this passage, we’ll see how it speaks to us today about faith, obedience, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. We’ll explore how this ancient narrative aligns with our modern understanding of the supernatural workings of God and how it challenges us to live out our faith in practical, powerful ways.
1. Responding to the Supernatural
The Shepherds’ Immediate Obedience
The first thing that strikes us about this passage is the shepherds’ immediate response to the angelic visitation. They didn’t hesitate or question; they simply said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15). This demonstrates a crucial aspect of faith – the willingness to act on divine revelation.
In our walk with God, we too are often called to step out in faith. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The shepherds exemplified this faith by acting on what they had heard, even though it seemed extraordinary.
Embracing the Supernatural in Our Lives
As believers in the 21st century, we are called to have the same openness to the supernatural as these shepherds did. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.“
God still speaks to His people today through various means – dreams, visions, prophecy, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. When we cultivate a sensitivity to His voice and a willingness to obey, we position ourselves for divine encounters that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
2. Witnessing the Miraculous
The Fulfilment of Prophecy
When the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem, they found everything “just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20). This fulfilment of the angelic message serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the reliability of His Word.
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s promises coming to fruition. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy, given centuries before Christ’s birth, was fulfilled in the very scene the shepherds witnessed.
Experiencing God’s Faithfulness Today
Just as the shepherds witnessed the fulfilment of God’s Word, we too can experience His faithfulness in our lives. The same God who kept His promise of sending a Saviour is the God who promises in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.“
As we walk in faith, we can expect to see God’s promises manifested in our lives. This might come in the form of physical healing (James 5:14-15), provision (Matthew 6:33), or the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). When we align our expectations with God’s Word, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous in our everyday lives.
3. Spreading the Good News
The Shepherds’ Evangelism
After encountering Jesus, the shepherds couldn’t keep the news to themselves. Verse 17 tells us, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” Their encounter with Christ compelled them to become the first evangelists of the gospel.
### Our Call to Share the Gospel
This aspect of the shepherds’ experience aligns perfectly with Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.“
As modern-day believers, we are called to the same task. Our encounters with Jesus – whether through salvation, healing, or the baptism of the Holy Spirit – are not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are called to share these experiences with others, spreading the good news of God’s love and power.
The apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Our personal testimonies of God’s work in our lives can be powerful tools for evangelism, opening doors for others to experience the transformative power of Christ.
4. Pondering and Treasuring
Mary’s Contemplative Response
In the midst of all the excitement, we see a different response from Mary. Verse 19 tells us, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This reflective attitude shows us the importance of taking time to meditate on God’s works and words.
The Value of Reflection in Our Spiritual Lives
In our fast-paced world, it’s crucial that we follow Mary’s example and make time for reflection and meditation on God’s Word and His works in our lives. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person as one whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.“
Taking time to ponder God’s goodness and faithfulness can deepen our faith, increase our understanding, and prepare us for future challenges. It’s in these quiet moments of reflection that the Holy Spirit often speaks to us, providing guidance, comfort, and revelation.
5. Praising and Glorifying God
The Shepherds’ Joyful Response
The passage concludes with the shepherds “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Their encounter with Jesus filled them with joy and thanksgiving, leading to spontaneous worship.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Praise
This response of the shepherds aligns with the Psalmist’s exhortation in Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” As believers, we are called to cultivate a lifestyle of praise and worship, regardless of our circumstances.
As Spirit-filled believers, we understand that praise is not just a Sunday activity but a powerful spiritual weapon. As we praise God, we invite His presence into our situations, as exemplified in 2 Chronicles 20:22, where praise preceded victory in battle.
Moreover, a heart full of praise leaves no room for doubt, fear, or discouragement. As we follow the shepherds’ example of glorifying God for what He has done, we position ourselves for continued encounters with His miraculous power.
Practical Application
As we conclude our exploration of this powerful passage, let’s consider how we can apply these truths to our daily lives:
- Cultivate Sensitivity to the Supernatural: Like the shepherds, be open to God’s voice and leading in your life. Set aside time each day to listen for His guidance through prayer and reading His Word.
- Act on Divine Revelation: When God speaks, be quick to obey. Start with the clear commands in Scripture, and as you grow in faith, learn to recognise and respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in your daily life.
- Expect to Witness God’s Faithfulness: Stand on God’s promises in your life. Whether you’re believing for healing, provision, or the baptism in the Holy Spirit, align your expectations with God’s Word and watch for His faithfulness.
- Share Your Testimony: Don’t keep your encounters with God to yourself. Look for opportunities to share how God has worked in your life with others, whether it’s with a coworker, neighbour, or on social media.
- Practice Reflection: Set aside time each day to ponder God’s goodness and works in your life. Keep a journal of answered prayers and moments where you’ve seen God’s hand at work.
- Cultivate a Lifestyle of Praise: Begin and end each day with praise. When facing challenges, choose to praise God despite your circumstances, knowing that He is faithful.
Conclusion
The account of the shepherds in Luke 2:15-20 is more than just a heart-warming Christmas story. It’s a powerful template for how we can encounter the supernatural, respond in faith, and live out our calling as believers in Jesus Christ.
As we step into each new day, let’s carry with us the wide-eyed wonder of the shepherds, the reflective heart of Mary, and the boldness of the early evangelists. Let’s be a people who are quick to obey, eager to witness the miraculous, ready to share the good news, given to reflection, and overflowing with praise.
Remember, the same Jesus who was laid in that manger in Bethlehem is alive and active today. He’s inviting you to experience His supernatural presence and power in your life. Will you, like the shepherds, hurry to meet Him? Will you allow your encounter with Him to transform you into a bearer of good news and a living testimony of His grace?
May we all be inspired by this passage to live lives that are fully surrendered to Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and ready for divine encounters that will change us and the world around us.
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