Shepherds Staying Out in the Field

"And you, oh tower of the flock, hill of Daughter Zion, to you it shall come, the former dominion shall come; the sovereignty of Daughter Jerusalem” (Micah 4:8 NRSV).

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about the shepherds who were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. This is a rather obscure verse from Micah, but the research I've done indicates it's really rather significant! This verse predicts the place Jesus will be born! It also explains the tremendous symbolism about that birthplace!

The shepherds to whom the angels appeared were not just any shepherds! Their responsibility was to raise the sheep intended for temple sacrifice. These sheep had to not only be protected, they also had to remain unharmed, uninjured or scarred, "perfect" to be suitable for sacrifice. To protect these special sheep, the shepherds often wrapped them in cloths.

The significance of Jesus' birthplace dates back hundreds of years. "After Jacob left Bethel he came to Edar (the tower) and there Rachel began hard labor and as she delivered Benjamin she died and was buried there in Ephratah which is Bethlehem" (Gen. 35:19).

After burying Rachel, Jacob moved his flocks beyond the tower of Edar. This would pinpoint the location as being near to what is present day Bethlehem. Clearly, this establishes that Migdal Edar, "the tower of the flock" was in Bethlehem in Bible times. [bible-truth.org]

Without wandering too far off base, the name Rachel means female sheep or ewe and "innocence of a lamb." Are you beginning to see some of the symbolism yet?

Midgal Eder (and other towers) is where shepherds brought ewes who were about to give birth, so they would be sheltered and protected and the lambs would be born in a safe and clean/pure environment. Many of the Rabbis at the time of Jesus taught that Jesus' birth would be announced from Midgal Eder!

I actually spent about an hour getting sidetracked in my research and study! This one verse has so much significance and meaning! Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and from the laboring class. He lived 700 years before the birth of Christ!

I am in absolute awe when I learn how intimately and "exactly" God has been involved in mankind since the very beginning of creation! It comforts me to know that He is, indeed in control, has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens to us. Most of all, it gives me hope! It inspires me to live life more joyfully and with greater gratitude.

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:4-12 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Random Act of Kindness - better late that never

Our family is on a really tight budget - like paycheck to paycheck, monitor the checking account daily, extreme couponing, well . . . you get the picture. But we do treat ourselves sometimes - I typically get a WAWA coffee and/or breakfast sandwich or McDonalds breakfact sandwich on Fridays. A small thing, but a nice treat.

A few months ago I started what I call "Random Act of Kindness Friday." Often, that means I leave a couple of extra dollars with the WAWA cashier and tell him/her to get somebody's coffee. Or at McDonald's drive-thru I'll ask the cashier how much the order is for the person behind me and if it's 'affordable' I'll pay for it. It makes me feel good - but I have no doubt it also makes the recipient feel good! What a blessing to realize someone did something for you - not because they "had to" but because they wanted to . . . just because.

This past week has been so emotionally challenging for that I really have been going through the motions of daily life. Didn't 'pay it forward' for anyone this week. On my way to work out this morning, the low fuel light came on and I made a detour to WAWA to get gas. I saw a young couple sitting on the curb at the entry road into WAWA and sign -- all I could read was "travelling" in big letters. I assumed they were stranded . . . maybe they had been evicted and were too embarrased to say so . . . It doesn't really matter to me why they are in such need they would panhandle at area intersections all week.

I've seen one or both of them a couple of times in the past week at one median or another on my way to and from work. We've don't really like to give cash - the 'experts' tell us that's not a good option. Sometimes I do it anyway . . . but this morning as I pumped my gas, I decided I would buy them 2 hot chocolates (it was still under 40 degrees and a brisk breeze has kicked up). And I picked up a $10 WAWA gift card. Needless to say they were pretty blown away!

Then I went to work out - at a gym where my company pays 1/2 the monthly fee, offers great health insurace, vision and dental care, retirement plan, and tons of other perks. Not to mention we've hung on to our home, and we have a wonderful family and vast circle of friends . . . it would take hours to call out all the ways we are blessed--I am blessed!

Yep, started to snap out 'auto pilot' and focused the day ahead - 12 for early Thanksgiving celebration dinner! Better get vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, and while I'm at it, thanking God for my life!

Random acts of kindess don't need to be monetary - somethimes I "take care" of something for a family member or co-worker so they don't have to . . . it can be anything. One's imagination can come up with a multitude of random acts . . . if we keep our eyes, and our hearts open and focus on others rather than ourselves.

"Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:28-30 NIV).

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8 NIV).

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).


Blessings on your journey,
Mary