"Who Told?"
August 21, 2005

The New Testament Lesson: Luke 2: 8 - 20

God most often uses the un-named to tell His-story and that’s us!

I.  God uses unknown people because they have no reputation to protect
   A. I’ve discovered I like Science fiction movies.
        1. They take me away from the stress of everyday life.
            a. There are often people who can do incredible things.
            b. I find that very relaxing.
        2. Often, the movies start with a feeling of normalcy. War of the Worlds
            a. The alien or surprising element intrudes on every day life.
            b. Movies contain the line: “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
            c. recognize this is going to be tough to swallow.
            d. They are worried that their story will be rejected.
            e. It’s often that way!  People’re prone to disbelieve the extraordinary.
        3. When shepherds headed for home, they worried about sharing
   B. The Shepherds of Christmas are unsung heroes as a group.
        1. They fall right in the heading of Unsung because they are unknown!
            a. When we read the Christmas story most people have names
            b. All principle characters, Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabrielle, Elizabeth
            c. The villain, King Herod, is well known.
            d. even the kings Melchior, Caspar, Balthasar (though not in Bible)
        2. No names are given to the shepherds (Tom, Dick and Harry)
            a. follows along with people’s opinions of their occupation
            b. Shepherds were held in very low esteem
            c. Held low paying positions of menial labor
            d. That’s the reason they were chosen to bear this incredible news.
        3. the reason they were chosen was they had no reputation to protect.
            a. weren’t going to lose any sheep over it!
            b. They could spread the news of God’s deliverance without fear!
            c. God uses unknown people because they have no reputation to protect
        4. They are the most receptive to God’s promise because they needed it!
            a. They didn’t have much to commend them to God.
            b. Well aware that grace was the only way they’d be acceptable.
    C. As we look at those God used for telling good news, they were people without concern for their reputation.
        1. Many times, God chose the lowly of the world.
            a. hard working people who didn’t get respect they deserved.
            b. They were people who knew their need for God.
            c. People who welcomed God’s intervention and salvation.
        2. Those who are “well respected” often have to lose their position.
            a. They have to get to the point where their self respect is lost.
            b. Only then are they open to what God has to offer.
            c. Then they are ready to talk about the incredible news of salvation.
        3. A good example of that is Chuck Colson.
            a. He was known as the hatchet man for Richard Nixon.
            b. People either respected him or feared him
            c. He felt he was on top of the world, until Watergate.
            d. It was only under the pressure of many accusations that he recognized his need for God and let go his reputation.
            e. then, he made it his business to tell the incredible news of salvation.
            f. He had nothing left to lose!
        4. Some of us here fall into the category of those with too much to lose

II.  Why are we hesitant to share the Good news?
   A. Generally, Presbyterians are not obviously evangelical.
        1. We are often very quiet about our faith.
            a. we might talk about our church and how good it is.
            b. we might talk about a cause to which we’re committed.
            c. But we are mostly silent about our Lord and Savior.
        2. I have heard people say, “my faith is a private matter.”
        3. Of course, that’s not what Peter thought:
            a.  nor Paul, nor Philip, nor Clement, nor Jesus for that matter!
            b. nor (thank God) the person who shared Christ with you!
        4. The Church has always depended upon people to share their faith.
            a. That is the primary reason we exist.
            b. It is the commission we have directly from Christ.
        5. So why are we hesitant when it comes to sharing good news?
        6. Let me ask you a couple questions.
    B. Are you sure it’s good?
        1. The greatest part of our faith is that we are saved by grace!
            a. We don’t do anything to earn our way in.
            b. We get a free ticket for the Glory train.
        2. Are you aware of how much you need God’s grace?
            a. Are you convinced that you won’t get to heaven apart from grace?
            b. If you are still under the illusion that You’re pretty good, you’ve missed the point to Jesus’ sacrifice.
        3. Effective gospel announcers know the extent of the gift
            a. They sing Amazing Grace with fervor.
            b. Christmas is all about the gift of their salvation!
        4. Effective evangelists are convinced that God’s good grace saved them
        5. If we are hesitant, it might be that we aren’t aware of how good the news is!
   C. Are you convinced of the good has it done for you?
        1. Once accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, changes should occur.
            a. we are not supposed to continue just as we have always done.
            b. we are supposed to begin to change into the likeness of Jesus!
        2. The Holy Spirit is within us for a transformational work.
            a. That is called sanctification.
            b. In short, we are forgiven by grace and we are renewed by grace.
        3. As Christians, we are supposed to be joy-filled and loving!
        4. Are you aware of the process that’s going on in you?  Could you tell someone what Jesus has done for you (as an individual)
        5. If we are hesitant, it might be that we don’t know how much good the news has done for us.
   D. Will Your life back up the announcement?
        1. People are watching those who claim to be Christ’s followers
            a. They are watching our level of honesty
            b. They are watching for deeds of compassion.
            c. They are listening to what we say as well as what we do.
            d. All to match what we say to our style of living!
        2. Driving down the road some time ago.
            a. I had my mind on other things
            b. I made a stupid lane change and cut a guy off (by accident)
            c. As he passed me I could tell he was really angry.
            d. He was not trying to hide his feelings.
            e. honked, shook his fist (well some of his fist!)
            f. Then he cut in right in front of me as Paybacks!
            g. That’s when I noticed the fish on the back of his car!  If we are hesitant, it might be that we aren’t confident that our lives bear a testimony to the good news we would share.

     Some of you might be familiar with the name Billy Sunday.  He was a famous revivalist who shared the good news with Thousands upon Thousands.  He started out as a hard drinking, carousing baseball player for the Chicago White sox.  Seemed destined for stardom.  One day, while out having fun, he and some friends stumbled upon a salvation Army Band.  Billy was struck by the music of the gospel songs and became filled with remorse.  If might have ended right there except that an unknown member of the crowd came up to him, shared the gospel and asked him to accept Jesus.  We don’t know that person’s name, but his testimony triggered Billy Sunday’s repentance and made him the first in a long line of converts.  All because one unnamed person was willing to share some good news!

And as you go from this place, may you walk in the way of Christ Jesus and May God always find you faithful!