From Outcasts to Evangelists

This is day-five of a five-day devotional on the lowly shepherds.

The shepherds' story didn't end when they found Jesus in the manger. After witnessing the miracle, they became the first evangelists, spreading the good news everywhere they went. These men who had been considered unworthy to enter the temple became the first to proclaim the gospel.

Their transformation was immediate and complete. They went from being society's outcasts to God's chosen messengers. They didn't wait for formal training or approval from religious authorities. They simply shared what they had experienced - they had found the Savior. This is the beautiful pattern of God's grace. He takes those the world has rejected and gives them the greatest honor - sharing His love with others. Your past doesn't disqualify you from being used by God; it often qualifies you in unique ways. Your struggles, your journey from darkness to light, your experience of God's grace - these become powerful testimonies that can reach others who feel hopeless.

Perhaps you've felt like you don't have anything valuable to offer God. Maybe you think your background, your mistakes, or your lack of education makes you unusable. The shepherds would disagree. God delights in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. When you encounter Jesus, like those shepherds did, your outlook on life changes. You're no longer defined by your past or limited by others' opinions. You become a child of God with a story to tell and hope to share.

Bible Verse

'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' - Romans 10:13

Reflection Question

How has your encounter with Jesus changed your life, and how can you share that transformation with others who might feel like outcasts?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for transforming my life and making me Your child. Give me boldness to share Your love with others, especially those who feel unwanted or unworthy. Use my story to bring hope to someone today. Amen.