When You Hear the Message, Move
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:15-20
15 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.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Cowboy Wisdom: The shepherds didn't sit around the campfire debating whether what they'd seen and heard was real. They didn't form a committee to study the matter. They didn't wait for a more convenient time. The Good Book says they went "in a hurry" to see what the Lord had made known to them.
That's faith in action, partner. They heard the message and they did something about it. They trusted what God had said and went to check it out. And when they found the baby just like the angel said, they didn't keep it to themselves. They told everyone they met about what they'd seen and heard.
See, faith ain't just about believing the right things in your head. Faith is putting boot leather to your beliefs. It's moving when God says move. It's going when He says go. It's trusting enough to act on what He's revealed.
The shepherds went back to their sheep, but they went back different. They went back glorifying and praising God. They didn't quit their jobs or abandon their responsibilities—they just did them with a new song in their hearts, because they'd met the Savior face to face.
This Christmas season, don't let fear keep you from acting on what God has shown you. Trust the Trail Boss. Obey without question. Remember you matter to Him. And when you hear His message, move.
Questions for Reflection:
What message from God have you been hearing but not acting on?
What's the difference between sitting around talking about faith and actually stepping out in faith?
How can you "go back" to your regular life but do it differently after encountering Christ?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a heart that responds quickly when He speaks. Pray for courage to move in faith rather than waiting for perfect understanding. Thank Him for the gift of His Son and ask how you can share that gift with others today.
