Let's Go See

In Luke 2:15-16 we read, "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." A couple of thoughts:

1) The angels always leave. They seem to come for short visits, do what they came for, and make a hasty retreat. Who can blame them? I wouldn't hang around either. Scripture, however, says they are everywhere doing God's work and watching over God's people, but this is all silent and invisible work. When they have to make an audible and visible appearance, it tends to be brief and to the point.

2) After the angels left, the shepherds had to start thinking again and talking to each other. This is key. It's not one shepherd standing alone in the field. He has friends. They encourage one another. They've shared the experience of seeing an amazing angelic display. They, together, knew that this was the Lord. They probably helped each other know this and be sure of it. This is still how it works; it's an enduring life principle. We all need people near us who can say to us, "Let's go and see." We all need people we can check with to make sure they saw the same thing we did. This helps us make sure that we, in fact, did see what we thought we saw. This is what church is. When it comes to God and God's things, this is important. There are good reasons why we need two or three gathered together.

3) The angels told the truth. The shepherds followed up on what they said and found things as they said. This is also how it is with God and God's things. They are inspectable. You can kick the tires. You can see for yourself. You can put your hand in the wounds. You can visit the holy family. When you do the equivalent in your life you'll say like Thomas and like the shepherds, "My Lord and my God!"

Do you have someone to check with in life, especially when it comes to God and God's things? With God and God's things, have you "inspected what you expect?" How would you respond if an angel appeared to you?