Shepherds and the Sea
This is an audio recording of Shepherds and the Sea the Day 15 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census
should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first
census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged
to the house and line of David. He went there to register with
Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby
to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because
there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.””
Have you ever thought of why the angels appeared to shepherds when Jesus was born?
Perhaps you have heard the story of Jesus’ birth a number of times, so it may not seem too special anymore. But it’s amazing. The shepherds were among the poorest people in society—no education, no money, no social status— fit for nothing. But the angels of heaven came to them to announce the birth of the Messiah. In fact, in the stories of Luke we find that God often revealed his life and power to people who were poor and without social status. Even more, the shepherds could not be witnesses in the legal sense—they were not considered reliable enough to testify before a judge. So the message of the gospel (“good news”) was revealed to people who were not legally able to testify.
The angels did not reveal the news to a lawyer or journalist— people who might take note of all the facts. No, the news was revealed to the poor and powerless. Why? Because Jesus is more than simply a historical fact or an interesting person; he is the Son of God who became a real human being. As the angel said, “He is the Messiah, the Lord.” And all who recognize him will worship him.
In some ways seafarers can relate to these shepherds. Today’s shipping crews have sometimes been called “orphans” of globalization, forgotten by the rest of the world, unrecognized by the society around them.
But Jesus has not forgotten. He came for all people. He came to reach out to and find every one of us. Christ came and filled the night of loneliness with the light of life!
For Further Thought
Why is it important that the coming of Jesus is announced not just to rich or important people, but to everyone?
Do you understand the message of the angels? Does it give you great joy? Explain.
Why do you need a Savior?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for remembering the forgotten people of this world. Thank you that wherever I go, on land, sea, or air, there is nowhere I can go where I can escape from your presence. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
