Moving Towards Your Destiny

Luke 2:8–18 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

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Introduction:

As believers, we share a common destiny, that is, to advance the kingdom of God. Aside from any personal goals and achievements one of the most important things we have is to share the Good News of Christ Jesus. There seems to be less focus on that mission and purpose for the disciple, today and more focus upon least important things, like obtaining material possessions, gaining popularity and financial success. Jesus says, in Matthew 6:33:

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

The passage before us is more than a story of what occurs. This passage is an example of how one must be diligent in the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

These in the text are destined to to spread the word about the coming Christ.

Today you and I are likewise destined to spread the Gospel.

Be Receptive to the Good News (Luke 2.8-12)

Luke 2:8–12 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

The text says that these shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night. Meaning they were on their job. See, shepherds did more than stand on a hill looking at sheep. Their responsibility was make certain their sheep were safe. They protected them from predators they ensured they were cared for and were grazing in the right type of grass. This was a job not a chore.

When the angel approached these shepherds they stopped what they were doing and gave the angels their undivided attention.

They were not too busy to hear

It was not too late for them to hear

They Did not turn a deaf ear

Illustration:

Application: Make hearing the word of God priority in your life. If you are too busy for God you are too busy. Learn his word, read His word and devote oneself to His word.

Be Responsive to the Good News (Luke 2.13-16)

Luke 2:13–16 ESV

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

The Angels response

The shepherds response

they were immediate

they were un

Illustration:

Application: What is your response to the Good News