BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

The shepherds, I thought. The next question it seemed the Holy Spirit asked was, Why? Although I am sure there are several theological explanations deeper than my own, the answer that came to me touched me with tenderness from the heart of God. All I can say is there seemed to be a love-light turned on those shepherds and I saw what they represented. In that light there was an outpouring of love toward them, but not because of mercy or pity. It was because of gratitude. Oh, how love was flowing through that light to them because God was so grateful to them. The Lord has always referred to His people as “His sheep” and to Himself as their “Great Shepherd.” Psalm 23 reveals the joy of life that comes to those whom He shepherds and the satisfaction He has in giving it. Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesy with godly anger against shepherds who harm or abandon the sheep instead of leading them to the Great Shepherd. His heart was often grieved when Israel wandered like sheep who had no shepherd, even though He was always there with rod and staff to comfort them. So, on the night Jesus was born, it made perfect sense for the news that the Good Shepherd had been born to go first to those who would relate to it the most. “…Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11, "Amplified Bible, Classic Edition"). Think about how those words came across to those shepherds, especially while they were actually surrounded by sheep. “In the town of David” was the birthplace of the Scriptures’ most notable shepherd, and no doubt their role model. They knew what it meant to be a savior; for no doubt they had countless times rescued wandering sheep and brought them into the safety of the fold. They understood Christ—the Anointed One and His Anointing—because they would carefully pour soothing oil on the head of each sheep, anointing them with protection from the stinging bites of flies and the harshness of sun and wind. But when the angel declared, “Who is Christ the Lord,” they were shaken to their core. So often they had seen the disastrous results of a flock left in the hand of a hireling, one with no true heart for the sheep. The wolves could mingle unnoticed and thieves steal the little ones away. But when the master of the house comes, he is fierce against any enemy and no one dares try to take even one lamb from his hand, for the sheep belong to him. As I sensed the depth of God’s tenderness toward the shepherds swell in my own heart, I realized that these shepherds of Bethlehem’s hills represented all those who truly care for the sheep. First, to those who have given their whole lives to feeding the sheep of His pasture. Hebrews 13:17 says those who teach the Word are responsible to watch over the souls put in their care and will stand a greater judgment (James 3:1). God is very serious about how His flock is handled. On the other hand, 1 Timothy 5:17 says that those who labor in the Word and doctrine are worthy of double honor. Our heavenly Father displayed His esteem for the shepherds by honoring them as the first to hear the news, the first to see the Son of God, and the first to know that God was dwelling among His people. Shouldn’t we follow His example and give honor where honor is due? Every faithful pastor, as well as field minister, ought to be thanked and blessed for the spiritual food and guidance they bring into our lives. Secondly, I believe every person who tends the sheep, young or old, should be openly appreciated and thanked for all they do. Where would we be without Sunday school teachers, ushers or traffic teams? Where would we be without one another? I encourage you to do something all through the year to honor, bless and love the ministry gifts God has put in your life, but especially during the Christmas season. It’s the example God gave us! V Terri Copeland Pearsons, the eldest daughter of Kenneth Copeland, is chief of staff of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and president of Kenneth Copeland Bible College™. Along with her husband, George Pearsons, she is also senior pastor of Eagle Mountain International Church at KCM in Fort Worth. 10 : BVOV

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