12-25-05 Luke 2: 17, 18

Luke 2:17, 18 (KJ21)
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:17, 18 (NAS)
And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:17, 18 (NIVUS)
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.

Luke 2:17, 18 (NLT)
Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,

You know your life has been made better because of your relationship with Jesus Christ. The glad tidings, that the angels declared to the shepherds, have become reality in your life. The peace and joy that can only come from Adonai, the Most High, is now yours. Like those ancient shepherds, you have seen and perceived the goodness and kindness of the Lord. And like the shepherds you have a desire to share this good news.

The shepherds discovered the Son of God, laying in a manger, and they worshiped Him. This experience changed them forever. When they left the holy family, they were not the same men as they had been when they came. And they had no other choice, but to tell others of what they had seen and heard.

So as they went back to their homes and their fields, they began to publish abroad all that had happened. They did not discriminate in what they said, but made everything thoroughly known to their families, friends, and acquaintances. Every word that the angels had spoken about the child Yeshua was relayed. The words of God freely poured forth from their mouths to all they met.

The shepherds gave no thought to how their words were received; they knew that they had a mandate from God to share these wondrous things. However, those who heard them wondered and marveled at their declarations. These did not turn deaf ears to the shepherds, but paid attention; they were trying to understand and comprehend what they heard.

Like these shepherds, when you share the wonderful things that the Lord does for you, you need not be concerned about those who hear. Though they wonder and marvel at you and your words, continue to proclaim the good news. Many will pay attention to what you say and they will decide in favor of Jehovah the Lord. Others may not want to hear, but your responsibility is to share. Then they can decide for or against God's good will for them.