The Call of the Under Equipped

The birth of Jesus is filled with unexpected twists, none more profound than the first audience of the good news—the shepherds. Shepherds, often overlooked in society, were considered uneducated and unequipped. They were outcasts, spending their days and nights caring for sheep, a role so undervalued it was usually left to the youngest child in the family.

Yet, when the angels came to announce the birth of the Savior, they didn’t go to the temple or the palace. They went to the fields, to these humble shepherds. Why?

Shepherds and Their Legacy

Throughout the Bible, shepherds held a significant place. Abraham, David, and even Job were shepherds. These individuals, seemingly unqualified for greatness, played pivotal roles in God’s plan. Shepherds weren’t just caretakers; they were problem solvers and healers, tending to wounded and sick animals. Their work required patience, vigilance, and courage.

Similarly, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came from humble beginnings. He wasn’t born into wealth or influence but into a lowly stable in Bethlehem. His life mirrored the shepherds' simplicity, yet His mission would transform the world.

The Model of the Shepherds

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they brought a message of hope and joy. The shepherds’ response? Immediate obedience. They didn’t hesitate or question their worthiness. They trusted God, leaving their flocks vulnerable to predators, and went to see the newborn King.

This act of faith is a powerful example for us. Obedience to God often requires sacrifice and trust. Like the shepherds, we may feel unqualified, but it’s in our weakness that God’s glory is revealed.

The Call to Go

The shepherds' story reminds us that the Gospel isn’t meant for the elite or the well-prepared—it’s for everyone. And it’s our job to share it in unexpected places.

In our world, we often associate church with a certain appearance or behavior. But Jesus came for the broken, the outcasts, and the marginalized. If someone walked into your church drunk or wearing what society deems inappropriate, how would you respond? The church isn’t a place for the perfect; it’s a hospital for the hurting.

Taking the Gospel Beyond the Church

The call of the shepherds was to leave their comfort zone and share the news of Jesus’ birth. We’re called to do the same. Whether it’s striking up a conversation in a bar, reaching out to someone society overlooks, or simply being available, our mission is to bring the Gospel to those who need it most.

As Matthew 22:10 tells us in the parable of the wedding banquet, God invites everyone—both good and bad. It’s not our job to judge who’s worthy of hearing the Gospel; it’s our job to invite them in and let God do the rest.

Obedience Over Outcomes

The shepherds weren’t responsible for how others responded to their message—they were responsible for delivering it. Similarly, our success in God’s eyes isn’t measured by worldly metrics but by our faithfulness.

When God calls, He isn’t looking for the most equipped; He’s looking for those willing to say yes. The shepherds’ willingness to act on the angel’s message made them part of the greatest story ever told.

Be a Shepherd Today

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and trust God with the details? The call of the under-equipped is a call to faith, obedience, and action. Like the shepherds, you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be willing to go.

Let this Christmas season remind you of the beauty of the Gospel and the privilege of sharing it with others. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Will you answer the call?