Luke 1: 5 – 22
This week we are going to consider some amazing stories found in Luke chapter 1. Maybe they should be headline news!
Zechariah – who was he? One of the Temple priests; married to Elizabeth. Both very elderly; a childless couple; very devout.
One day it was his turn to go in to the Temple to burn incense at the time of the evening sacrifice, according to their custom, while the worshippers were praying in the outer courts. Then something strange happened. An angel appeared by the altar and Zechariah was completely taken by surprise; startled; scared! The angel reassures him that he brings good news,- very unexpected news as it happened.
He says three things:- that Zechariah’s prayer has been answered; that his wife would have a son; that he was to call the baby John.
Not only this, the angel has more to say about the baby. Look at verses 14 – 15 and see how many times he says of the child ‘he will’. He will be someone who brings joy to many; he will be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit; and many will return to the Lord because of him. His mission will be to prepare people for the coming of the Lord.
But Zechariah finds all this far too difficult to believe. ‘How can I be sure?’ he says. Wouldn’t you be asking questions, too? It’s in our nature to want answers; to have everything made clear. But the angel had been sent by God to Zechariah and God’s word was to be trusted. So, the angel says Zechariah will be silent, because of his disbelief, until John is born.
Does this seem harsh or is it a challenge to us to trust in God’s word even when we cannot understand,- cannot fathom out the mystery of what is going on in our own situation? Trust that God has an overall plan and He knows what He is doing. He always has our best interests at heart.
Prayer.
Lord, in the sudden surprises of life, take away my fears; help me to listen for Your voice, and always to trust Your word.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment