Within our country, there are a number of people that are not seen or heard. They are forgotten by society for various reasons, and they are the ones hit hardest by Covid-19. The infection rate of these individuals is five times higher than others. Also, economically they are out of work, because the companies they worked for had major layoffs, or have gone out of business. Nobody is seeing their pain and anguish, so they are suffering in silence. People walk by them as though they are not there, and only speak to them when necessary. This is how the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20 felt, they were there to take care of the sheep. They were not seen or heard, because they were unable to maintain the ceremonial laws and cleansing rituals. They were only spoken to, when it was necessary. Their society saw them as a necessary inconvenience, because they did the job no one else wanted. After Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem, they were the first to receive the good news in the fields. The Lord dispatched an angel to tell them, and encouraged them to go see for themselves. But, He didn’t stop there, He had the heavenly host come, and they were singing and praising the Lord. Can you imagine how awesome this was for the last, the least, and the left out to see? God was letting them know I see you, and y’all are the first to go see the Son of God born in Bethlehem. They would be easy to find, because Jesus would be lying in a manger. When the shepherds found them, they shared what they were told, and saw in the field. They left praising God, for allowing them to be able to see the Savior of the world.
This is the reason Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus were left out, so they could be found by the least of these. God had to let those in the field know I see you, and I care about you. They were the first to know, because society had placed them last. One of the things Jesus said was, “many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. (Matthew 19:30)”
You are a child of God, and you have been left out, but you are still in. You are in a place where the last, the least, and the left out can get to you. The Lord is guiding them to you so that you can give them the encouragement they need to press on. Also, when they come you will see them, and this is what the Lord wants them to know. They are not forgotten or dismissed but cared for by the Lord. You have to share the Good News with them because this use to be you! Continue to walk in your blessings.
