Issue 005
I don’t suppose it occurred to them as they left their homes to go to
work, that this shift would be anything other than ordinary. They had
a job to do and they would do it. Their business was simple but their
products were important. Their work required that they put in long
hours and at unsociable times. They weren’t particularly well
respected and although some were wealthy most were small traders.
They owned their own stock and had a vested interest in maintaining
its value.
On this particular shift, however, they experienced a supernatural
encounter with the powers of Heaven. Whilst they were going about
their ordinary business God revealed to them startling information
about events taking place in their own town. It was a terrifying and
inspiring experience a sky-full of angels and when it was over they
left their work temporarily and went to see what was happening.
It was not in a temple or a religious gathering that this took place.
God spoke to shepherds at their workplace. It wasn’t an accident.
He was honouring their workplace with his presence. He was
revealing himself to busy people in ordinary jobs. He was showing
them things about himself in the middle of their working day (or in
this case night). He still does: Christmas is a time for encounters with
God – particularly at work. Pray that this December you hear from
Him while you are at work, something which will show you more of
his purposes. He will not hide from you.
Luke 2: 8-16
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
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Geoff Shattock
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