Why the Shepherds?

In Luke 2:8-20, we are told who the first recipients of the news of the birth of the Messiah were.  Of all the people on earth in places of “importance” and authority that the revelation could have been made to, it was made to a small group of lowly shepherds out in the fields near Bethlehem. Who would I have first announced the birth of the Messiah to? It probably would not have been to some lowly shepherds, men despised by many, an occupation that was not well thought of. 

Fortunately, I am not God. He knows best. God revealed it to these men, who without question went in search of the baby and spread abroad the message shared by the angel about who this baby really was. Perhaps if God had revealed the true identity to more reputable or educated people, they would have been too afraid of their reputation to risk making such a declaration. Would a more “cultured” person have considered going to a smelly stable? Perhaps a more educated person would have had to consult with scholars first to make sure that this could be the case. 

God’s ways are not our ways. God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise.

1 Corinthians 1:25-31 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.