How can we emulate the shepherds' urgency in sharing the Gospel today? Verse in Focus: The Shepherds Hurried “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16) “After they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child.” (Luke 2:17) Why the Shepherds Rushed • They believed the angelic message without hesitation. • They valued the revelation of the Messiah above their livelihood and routine. • They recognized that this news was not for them alone but for “all the people” (Luke 2:10). What Fuels Urgency in Us Today 1. Certainty of the Gospel’s truth (2 Peter 1:16). 2. Christ’s clear command: “Go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). 3. Love for neighbors who face eternity (2 Corinthians 5:14). 4. The Spirit’s empowerment: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). Practical Ways to Hurry With the Good News • Start each day asking, “Lord, whom will You place in my path?” • Keep a simple testimony ready (Acts 4:20). • Use modern “fields”—social media, texts, coffee breaks—to sow Gospel seeds. • Memorize one or two verses (Romans 6:23; John 3:16) to share naturally. • Invite friends to read a Gospel with you; let Scripture speak for itself. • Support missionaries and church outreach—your resources can extend your reach. Overcoming Common Roadblocks • Fear of rejection → Remember, “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). • Feelings of inadequacy → Trust the Spirit’s words (Luke 12:12). • Busyness → Re-order priorities: seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Encouragement From Fellow “Hurry-ers” in Scripture • Woman at the well “left her water jar” to tell the town (John 4:28-30). • Andrew “first found his brother Simon” (John 1:41). • Persecuted believers “went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Living the Shepherds’ Example Let their haste become our habit: hear the Word, hurry to the Savior, and hurry out to share Him—today, while there is still time. |
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