Shepherds Watch

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night (Luke 2:8).

Common shepherds were chosen to be one of the first to see the long-awaited Messiah and tell others that He had arrived. At one time, shepherding was a highly respected profession. It is one of the oldest occupations in the Bible. Adam and Eve's son, Abel, was a shepherd. Other biblical shepherds include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Amos, and David. The occupation started over 5,000 years ago in Asia Minor; and sheep became a mainstay of the region, providing meat, dairy products, and wool.

. . . that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34).

However, by New Testament times, the perception of shepherds had plummeted. The Egyptians hated shepherds, and after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, this idea stayed with the Hebrews through generations, even long after they came out of exile. After all, shepherds were rarely able to follow all the Jewish rules and regulations. For example, they couldn't properly keep the Sabbath and be out tending their flocks. 

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:12-14).

Yet, not only did a multitude of angels appear to shepherds and direct them to where the Christ child lay, but Jesus Himself would grow up to be called the Good Shepherd. God often chooses those considered common or lowly to do His work, not because they are better than others but because they're often more humble and willing to follow His directions. When you think about it, next to our Lord, we are all lowly and common. It's just that some of us realize it more than others.

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