Title January 2019

The Shepherds of the Lord in the Fields(Luke 2:8–20,)

Throughout history, the Jewish people eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Messiah  the Anointed One who would redeem Israel. They studied the Scriptures, watched the signs, and hoped for His coming. Yet, when Jesus was finally born, very few recognized the moment. Why? Because God’s revelation came only to a select few  people whose hearts were pure and whose lives were aligned with God’s will.

We see this pattern in Luke chapters 1 and 2. Those who first recognized Jesus’ birth were individuals like Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5–6), Simeon (Luke 2:25–32), Joseph (Matthew 1:20–21), and the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36–38). The Bible tells us these were righteous and devout people, “walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6, NKJV). They were spiritually alert and faithfully waiting for the promised Savior. God honored their spiritual diligence by revealing His greatest gift — the birth of Christ.

But God also extended this revelation to two unexpected groups: the wise men from the East (Matthew 2:1–12) and the shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:8–20). These were not priests, scribes, or temple officials. The wise men were Gentiles — likely astrologers or scholars who interpreted celestial signs. The shepherds, on the other hand, were common laborers, often looked down upon in society. Despite their humble status, God chose to reveal the Messiah’s birth to them first. Why?

Let’s look at Luke 2:8–12 (NKJV):

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.'”

Why shepherds? Theologically, shepherds symbolize leadership, sacrifice, and care  all traits of Jesus Himself, who later called Himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, NKJV). Jesus wasn’t born in a palace, but in a manger, surrounded by animals. His humble birth matched the setting of a shepherd  someone used to the dirt, discomfort, and sacrifice of caring for others.

If God had revealed this news to tax collectors, officials, or royalty, they may have dismissed it or failed to appreciate the significance of a child born in a stable. But the shepherds understood  not just practically, but symbolically. They were used to hardship, night watches, and sacrificial service. That night, God entrusted the message of salvation to them.

When the angels left, the shepherds responded immediately:

Luke 2:15–16 (NKJV):
“Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”

Their response was obedience. They left their flocks  their livelihood  to pursue God’s revelation. After witnessing the Savior, they became the first evangelists of Christ’s birth, spreading the news of what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:17–18).

This story holds deep prophetic meaning. Just as few recognized Jesus’ first coming, so too will few be prepared for His second coming. Jesus Himself said in:

Matthew 24:44 (NKJV):
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

And like in His first coming, His return will not be announced with fanfare to the masses, but perceived first by those spiritually awake  those, like the shepherds, who live in watchfulness and obedience.

Furthermore, the shepherds represent faithful ministers and leaders in the Church today  pastors, evangelists, teachers  those tending God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2–4). These spiritual shepherds often work unnoticed, in the background, dealing with the “messiness” of ministry  heartaches, struggles, and sacrifices. Yet the Bible promises that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will “receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4, NKJV).

If you are serving God in such a way  teaching, caring, sacrificing  be encouraged. The same glory that shone around the shepherds in the fields will shine on you when Christ returns. It may not be glamorous work now, but heaven takes note.

In conclusion:

  • God bypassed the proud and chose the humble.

  • He did not reveal His Son in the temple, but in a stable.

  • He did not appear first to kings, but to shepherds.

  • He honors those who quietly and faithfully serve.

Keep watch, just like those shepherds. Stay faithful to your calling. When the glory of the Lord appears again, you will be among the first to rejoice.

Revelation 22:12 (NKJV):
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Be encouraged. Stay faithful. The glory is coming.

 

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Eternal Chains of Darkness

Luke 8:30–33 (NIV)

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and He gave them permission.
When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

Understanding the Abyss and Eternal Chains

Shalom, beloved of God!

Praise the Lord for another day of life and grace. Today, we reflect on a powerful moment from Jesus’ earthly ministry—His encounter with a man possessed by many demons after crossing the Sea of Galilee.

As we read in Luke 8, the demons were terrified of being sent into the Abyss (Greek: abussos), also referred to as the bottomless pit or hell’s prison. They begged Jesus not to send them there, which shows us an important truth: even demons fear the place God has prepared for their judgment.

Why were they so afraid of the Abyss? Because it is a real, dreadful place of confinement, where some fallen angels and demons are already imprisoned, awaiting the final judgment.

2 Peter 2:4
“For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment…”

Jude 1:6
“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”

This tells us that some demons are already locked away in the Abyss, while others still roam the earth under God’s permission. Even the demons that possessed the man in Luke 8 preferred to be cast into pigs rather than go into that prison-like place. That alone shows how terrible the Abyss is.

Why Do Some Demons Still Roam Free?

Not all demons are currently in chains. Some, like Satan and others, still have limited freedom to operate on the earth for a time. But their fate is sealed.

Revelation 20:1–3
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss…”

In the end, even Satan will be locked in the Abyss for 1,000 years. Afterward, he will be released for a short time before his final destruction in the lake of fire.

Where Do Demons Dwell Now?

Demons do not have a resting place on earth. They are restless spirits seeking to enter people.

Matthew 12:43–45
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’”

Jesus reveals here that when a demon leaves someone, it wanders through dry, desolate places, symbolizing spiritual barrenness. It finds no peace outside a host. That’s why demons are always seeking to inhabit human bodies—they are in torment without a home.

But when a person opens their heart to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. That person becomes God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), and demons have no place there.

Warning Against Making Our Bodies a Dwelling for Evil Spirits

Anyone who continues in unrepented sin—such as idolatry, sexual immorality, witchcraft, and rebellion—is at risk of becoming a dwelling place for demons.

Ephesians 4:27
“Do not give the devil a foothold.”

Galatians 5:19–21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery… idolatry and witchcraft… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

A person who allows such sin in their life essentially opens the door for unclean spirits to enter. And if they die in that state, they will join those who are already in the Abyss, awaiting the final judgment.

The Final Judgment: Eternal Fire

Revelation 20:14–15
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

This is the final destination for the devil, his demons, and all who reject God’s salvation. Even those from ancient times—like the people of Noah’s generation and those of Sodom and Gomorrah—are now being held in chains, awaiting this very judgment.

Jude 1:7
“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah… serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”

God’s Mercy Is Still Available

In the Old Testament, being possessed by a demon was a death sentence:

Leviticus 20:27
“A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death.”

But under the New Covenant, Jesus came to set captives free. Anyone can be delivered from demonic bondage by repenting, believing in the gospel, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Final Exhortation

Satan and his demons roam the earth looking for a place to dwell—don’t let it be in you. Make your body a temple of the Holy Spirit by surrendering fully to Jesus. Test every spirit and every teaching (1 John 4:1), and let the Holy Spirit guide your entire life.

If you’ve been blessed by this message, share it with someone else. Let us live watchful, holy lives as we await the return of our Lord.

God bless you.

 
 
 

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Why Should We Be as Wise as Serpents?

Matthew 10:16 (NKJV) – “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

This verse from the Gospel of Matthew has puzzled many believers. Why did Jesus, the Son of God, instruct His disciples to emulate the wisdom of serpents? Why not choose a nobler animal like a lion, eagle, or ox? After all, throughout Scripture, the serpent is commonly associated with Satan and deception  particularly in the Garden of Eden. So what did Jesus mean by this unusual comparison?

1. The Context of the Instruction

Jesus spoke these words while commissioning His twelve apostles. Matthew 10:1-15 lays the foundation: He was sending them to preach the message of the Kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. But He also warned them: persecution, rejection, and opposition would come.

Matthew 10:16 (NKJV) is part of that warning:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…”

This imagery is deliberate. Sheep are innocent and vulnerable; wolves are dangerous and aggressive. Jesus knew His disciples would face spiritual and physical threats. Yet instead of instructing them to be like lions or warriors, He advised them to be wise like serpents and gentle like doves.

2. Understanding the Wisdom of the Serpent

The serpent, in biblical terms, is first introduced in

Genesis 3:1 (NKJV):
“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.”

The Hebrew word translated “cunning” is ‘ʿārûm’, which can mean prudent, crafty, or shrewd. In Eden, Satan used the serpent not through brute force, but through subtle persuasion and deceptive wisdom. While his goal was evil, the method was undeniably strategic.

Think about it: Adam and Eve, who had direct fellowship with God, were convinced to disobey a clear command and that wasn’t accomplished with threats or physical force, but through careful, targeted conversation. That level of persuasion required a kind of wisdom Jesus wants His followers to adopt  not for evil, but for the strategic presentation of truth.

Just as the serpent identified Eve as the more vulnerable target and used questions instead of accusations (“Has God indeed said…?” Genesis 3:1), so must evangelists today learn to discern their audience, be patient, and choose their words wisely.

3. The Serpent’s Approach: Discernment, Patience, and Strategy

Even after the Fall, serpents embody certain traits that illustrate wisdom in action:

  • They are silent hunters.

  • They rely on timing and subtlety.

  • They do not waste energy.

  • They avoid unnecessary confrontation.

This is similar to how believers should approach their mission. The Apostle Paul writes:

Colossians 4:5–6 (NKJV) –
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Here, Paul links wisdom with speech — the ability to respond to outsiders with thoughtful, gracious words. Wisdom isn’t just about being smart; it’s about how and when to speak, how to engage people’s hearts, and how to maintain the purity of the message while tailoring its presentation.

4. Paul as an Example of Strategic Evangelism

Paul embodied this balance of wisdom and gentleness. In 1 Corinthians 9:20–22 (NKJV), he says:

“…to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews… to those who are without law, as without law… to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

Paul didn’t compromise truth, but he contextualized it. He adjusted his approach without altering the Gospel. That is serpent-like wisdom: strategic, purposeful, and Spirit-led.

5. When Wisdom Is Absent, Conflict Arises

Too often, Christians share the Gospel without this wisdom. For example, attacking another person’s dietary practices (such as not eating pork) or insulting another faith only creates resistance and hostility.

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) reminds us:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

 

And 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NKJV) tells us:
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition…”

Winning souls isn’t about proving who’s right; it’s about drawing hearts toward the truth in love. Even Jesus didn’t force belief He invited, He taught, He corrected gently.

6. The Dangers of Foolish Zeal

Even online, many Christians forget this principle. Instead of building up, they tear down. Instead of winning hearts, they provoke arguments. But Scripture warns:

1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV) –
“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”

Wisdom is not just knowledge  it’s knowledge applied with grace and love. Jesus didn’t tell us to be clever like serpents, but wise. Wisdom seeks the good of others.

7. The Reward of a Wise Servant

Jesus praised the wise servant in:

Luke 12:42-44 (NKJV) 
“Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household…? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”

Wisdom is a trait that God honors. Those who serve with both truth and tact will be rewarded.

Conclusion: Walk in Wisdom

As followers of Christ, we are called to carry the Gospel with strategic love and Spirit-filled discernment. Being wise as serpents means understanding people, navigating opposition thoughtfully, and responding with patience and grace. Being harmless as doves means never using aggression, manipulation, or pride.

Let us be faithful stewards, serving not to win arguments, but to win souls.

Prayer:
Lord, teach us to walk in wisdom, to be strategic yet gentle, bold yet humble. Help us represent You with grace, truth, and love that many may come to know You. Amen.

Please share this message with others. May God bless you richly

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THE ANSWER TO A PERSON’S LIFE

For a long time, King Solomon sought the wisdom of all things on earth nature, human deeds, and more trying to uncover a single answer that would unlock the doors to BLESSINGS, KNOWLEDGE, LIFE, and PEACE in a person’s life. Solomon embarked on this search for many years, from his youth, guided by the wisdom within him. The Bible even mentions that Solomon explored what others might consider foolishness things that shouldn’t be done by people of God but he did so to uncover whether the answer he was seeking could be hidden in these actions. His goal was to find the key to a life of ease, peace, joy, fulfillment, love, and more.

Solomon’s Search for Meaning

We can read about Solomon’s investigation in the book of Ecclesiastes. Early in the book, Solomon describes how he set his heart on finding the answer to life. He was willing to try everything that the world offers, yet each time he found that it didn’t hold the key to human life, he labeled it as VANITY. He continued searching, moving from one thing to the next, trying everything he could until he explored every possible avenue on earth nothing was left out. He even explored witchcraft and foreign gods, but in the end, he found them all to be futile, like chasing after the wind.

In Ecclesiastes 1:14, Solomon writes, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” This verse underlines his realization that earthly pursuits, no matter how glamorous or desirable, cannot satisfy the deeper longings of the human soul.

Finally, in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, after all his searching and trials, Solomon found the answer he had been looking for all along. It wasn’t easy, and it even cost him his soul in the process, as he engaged in things he shouldn’t have done. But after all the struggle, he discovered the answer.

The Formula for Life

Solomon compared this search to looking for a rare, specific piece of clothing in the second-hand market. You’ll sift through pile after pile, and it may take a long time perhaps even a lifetime and you might never find it. This is the cost of discovering the true way to live a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Solomon’s search for the meaning of life led him to discover the FORMULA for human existence. By understanding this formula, a person can unlock the toughest doors in their current and future life. Without this understanding, a person may wander aimlessly, struggling and suffering, but once they know it, life becomes easier, filled with peace and joy.

The Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commandments

The answer Solomon found is revealed in the conclusion of Ecclesiastes:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
13 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS THE DUTY OF ALL HUMANS.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

This is the ultimate answer to life: Fear God and keep His commandments. This is the key that opens every door in life, which previously seemed difficult. Solomon found that true peace, fulfillment, and wisdom come from a relationship with God and from obeying His Word.

In Proverbs 9:10, it is written, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

This verse emphasizes that the foundation of wisdom and understanding begins with the reverence and respect for God, which leads to a life that reflects His commands.

The Vanity of Worldly Pursuits

Now, in our modern generation, everything is easier. We often believe that wealth will provide the answers to life’s questions. But Solomon also searched for wealth and material gain, hoping they would bring him the happiness and fulfillment he sought, only to conclude that they were VANITY and LIES.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”


Solomon’s experience reveals a profound truth: the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and material success without a foundation in God ultimately leads to emptiness.

Solomon also searched for happiness in relationships and pleasures, including through numerous wives and concubines. Yet, he declared that none of these brought lasting fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes 2:8-9 says, “I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me.”

Yet, despite all his wealth and pleasures, he concluded that it was all vanity.

The Importance of Remembering the Creator

The Bible warns against waiting too long to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Solomon urges the young to remember their Creator while they are still in their youth.

In

Ecclesiastes 12:1, he writes, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’”

This is a call to turn to God early in life, before the challenges of aging and life’s difficulties make it harder to do so.

The Importance of Obeying God’s Commands

Solomon’s final advice is simple yet profound: remember your Creator and obey His commandments. This is the way to live a life of purpose, fulfillment, and peace. The book of Proverbs is filled with guidance on this subject, as Solomon continually emphasizes the importance of wisdom and instruction in following God’s ways.

In Proverbs 4:10-12, Solomon advises, “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”

Following God’s wisdom and commands brings stability and peace to life.

The Role of Jesus Christ in Our Life

As Christians, we understand that the ultimate fulfillment of the wisdom Solomon sought is found in Jesus Christ.

In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the key to understanding and living out the wisdom that Solomon spoke about. Through faith in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will, which leads to eternal peace and fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Solomon’s wisdom points us to the need for a relationship with God and the importance of following His commands. Solomon’s journey of searching for meaning in worldly pleasures and achievements only led him to declare them as vanity. Now, we are called to heed his final conclusion: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all humans.

If you have not yet embraced this wisdom, the call remains: turn to God, repent of your sins, and place your trust in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is the path to true life, peace, and purpose.

May you choose this path today.

 

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