Come and See

Have you ever talked something "to death?" Without a doubt, you knew the right thing to do but then talked yourself out of doing it. After the angel [and the heavenly host] appeared to the shepherds, here's what Scripture says: "When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' So they came in a hurry ..." (Luke 2:15-16a, NASB). The angel gave a clear and concise message of what had happened that night; let's be sure we understand ... the message was from God! Note the shepherds' response - they went in a hurry to see "this thing that has happened." Their response didn't seem to involve deliberations or considerations - who will watch the sheep? ... we'll go first thing int he morning! ... goodness, we don't even know where in Bethlehem; no, Scripture says they simply "hurried off" (NIV). There's a lesson for us today in the speedy response of the shepherds: "When God draws me, the issue of my will comes in at once. Will I react to the revelation He has given me? Will I come to Him? It’s a question of obeying, not of discussing." (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest). God drew the shepherds to find "the baby as He lay in the manger" (Luke 2:16b, NASB). The shepherds' quick obedience to draw near to the Christ Child was rewarded when they found Him. What an example in setting aside things that hinder and deprive us of discovering the deep riches of God Himself and the beauty of a relationship with Jesus. Don't miss the Message or The Messiah: Christ is born ... come and see.