Scripture Reading: Luke 2:15-18 (New International Version)
“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.”
Thought for the day:
I don’t have a lot of memories from my youth. I have a vague recollection of some things but the details are quite hazy. However, there is one event that is very clear and always makes me laugh out loud when I think about it. I know it’s April 1st but this is not a joke. I was visiting my grandmother at her house and my cousin was there at the same time. We’d been there a short time when my nan said to my cousin “Do me a favour bach, run up the shop for me will you?” Without a moment’s hesitation, he instantly obeyed and went running up the hill to the very few shops in the village.
Some minutes later he returned and asked a very important question: “What did you want in the shop nan?” He had hurried off, wanting to be obedient without knowing why he was going. While humorous for us, it demonstrates a wonderful character and attitude to service.
The shepherds didn’t know what they were going to do when they got to Bethlehem but they went anyway. I’m sure that they wouldn’t have the faintest idea of what they could possibly offer in this situation. The Saviour of the world was born there and they were a few shepherds. What could they take? How could they be sure that they’d be able to find him? They knew they had to be there and weren’t worried about the fine details. If you’re at all like me then you’d ask for all the details. Thankfully, I think the shepherds were familiar with the story of Abram. God had said to him: “go to a place that I will show you” and God would fill in the detail as he went. God expects us to be obedient to His Word and to respond in faith, trusting Him for every step and for every detail. We have no idea what God is going to do at Oasis Community Church in the next 12 months. We can however be sure that He will never fail us. He is for us and won’t abandon His promise in our lives. This is what He’s saying to us : “Demonstrate faith in my Word and watch what I will accomplish.”
Prayer and Application:
I normally ask you to look back at what God has done and praise Him for His faithfulness. Today I’m going to ask you to look forward. Take some time in meditative prayer and see what God is revealing to you about the future. Is He leading your thoughts into particular areas? Pray that through and in faith claim what He’s saying to you.