The salt of the earth. A phrase used to describe someone who is just a great person, known for giving someone "the shirt off his back," friend or even foe alike. The salt of the earth works hard to provide for his family, and usually, these "old salts" are shaped physically by the work they do. Their hands show they are working men. Their faces are hardened and cracked by exposure to the elements, and yet there is a firmness to their features that is warm and friendly.
The salt of the earth comprises most of this nation's population. If graduation rates are an indication of profession, only 25% of this country possesses a college degree. So, much of the work to feed, clothe, build infrastructure, homes, places of business, and other such activities falls to these "old salts." They aren't less than people who possess higher degrees or white collar jobs, but those in white collar positions aren't better than the working man either.
God makes a statement by who He goes to and informs of the birth of Jesus. While we cannot create a theology in this, it is telling that God sends his angels to shepherds. As is noted in Luke in the King James version of the Bible, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, an the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel of the Lord said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:8 - 11)
Shepherds? Not the learned of the day? The angels didn't go to the temple and say to the spiritual leaders the Messiah was here? They didn't descend on Rome or other political leaders and say, "The new king is here?" No, God chose shepherds. God chose a shepherd boy to defeat Goliath, and now God chooses his Son to be our Shepherd to save us from sin and death.
As we grow near to the day that represents our Savior's birth, we rejoice in our Shepherd, Christ Jesus, and all He does for us in our lives.
Hope Men's Ministry
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