We are coming into the Christmas season. As most of us do, we read the second chapter of Luke during this season. Luke 2:8 says, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” The phrase abiding in the field stuck out to me in a special way.
I thought about how many nights these shepherds had kept watch over the flock. How many cold nights were there when they would grow weary while keeping the sheep? How many times would they have to protect the sheep from predators? How many nights would they risk their own lives in defending the sheep? But this night was not typical. This night, they would have a heavenly encounter that would change the rest of their life. While watching their sheep, they would have an angel to visit them, and the glory of God would shine around them.
I believe that in this season, to those who have been watching over the flock faithfully without concern for their own lives and with great sacrifice, there will be a divine visitation from above that will change the rest of their lives. Many have faithfully abided in their fields of service. It has seemed like you have been forgotten. It has seemed insignificant. It has been hard at times to continue, but the Lord has seen your faithfulness. There are things in store for those who have faithfully answered the call and, with consistency, have stayed the course of duty.
The presence of God will surround you. A fresh word will be given to you. This word will be for all who will receive it. Your message will be of the Savior, which is Christ the Lord. You will find the manifestation of this message in unlikely places and in unlikely people. There will be sounds from heaven of praise that will ascend to greater heights. Your journey will be to see greater things than you have ever seen before. There will be a greater urgency in your spirit than ever before.
May God pour out blessings on those who have been abiding in their fields faithfully. So when you read the Christmas story in Luke 2:8-15, give special attention to the shepherds who are abiding in the field, keeping watch over the flock.
I believe God is calling all shepherds today to continue in the field. To abide with steadfastness and consistency. The very moment that you think there is no real purpose to your duty will be the moment the divine intervention will take place.
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