“Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” — Luke 2:17-18, NKJV

Because the shepherds were faithful to act according to the angelic instructions given them, they were able to declare the birth of Jesus to the world around them. Because they were faithful to go, authority to speak was granted them.

A sign of this authority is found when the scripture says, “all those who heard it marveled.” When obedience follows Divine instruction, Divine authority and favor are added to the actions of the called. When we are obedient to God’s word, whether it is as a calling or simply an instruction for the moment, authority and favor are granted and the act of obedience becomes the catalyst that empowers us to accomplish His desires, as the hearers of our words marvel at the message.

Many a great prophecy and powerful sermon have gone un-spoken because of a lack of obedience to the Heavenly instruction. So, too, have many prophecies and sermons been weakened by the refusal of the messenger to “make widely known the saying which was told them.”

We must not take upon ourselves to “soften” the message given if it is a difficult one intended to bring conviction; and neither should we make harsh the message that is designed to give hope. If our words are to be marveled at, if they are to bring about the desired (His desire) effect, then they must be His words spoken with passion and compassion by one who stands upon and behind the integrity of His word.

It has been so since men began declaring the Good News. The Shepherds were the first humans to testify of the birth of Jesus; Scripture tells us that their words were a marvel to those who heard them.

For those of us who claim Christ as Savior, what about our words? We, having read of the birth of the Christ, and the New Testament account of His life and work, are we sharing the story, the Good News with such passion that people marvel at our efforts?

Are we living among the lost as those who have “seen a great light”? Are we shining the way for others to see Him too?

Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.