Tag: Zachariah

Advent Day 11, Living Each Day for Him

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Today’s scripture is from Luke 1:5-17. Since I talked about Zachariah and his trouble with the angel in Advent Day 10, I want to focus on Luke 1:5-11 today. There is much we can learn about life, living and hope from Zachariah and Elizabeth.

“ During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest assigned service in the regiment of Abijah. His name was Zachariah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Together they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old. It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering.” 

To me there are several key words in this passage that tell us a lot about Zachariah and Elizabeth. They were both descendants of Aaron, and therefore in the priestly line. Zachariah worked in the temple when it was his time to serve, and he did as he was assigned. They were godly people who lived lives that were pleasing to God and kept His commandments. They were advanced in years and childless. In those days if you were childless you were looked down upon and it was considered shameful. Because scripture points out they were upstanding and blameless before God we know this was not due to sin on their part. God was getting ready to do a miraculous work in their lives at a time when conceiving a child would have been thought impossible and could only be attributed to God.

If your family, friends and neighbors were to scrutinize your life- work, actions, words- would they consider you godly? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers that they were to be the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-15 ““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Are you letting your light shine for Jesus? Do others see Jesus in your kindness, love and compassion? What impossible situations are you living through right now that need you to trust and rely upon Jesus so others can see your faith in action?

As you consider Zachariah and Elizabeth, think how they must have seemed to those around them to be consider blameless and upright. Ask Jesus to empower you through His Holy Spirit to shine His light to those around you today. Make it a habit to spread love and joy to others and live each day for Him.

Linda

Advent Day 10, No Worries in Jesus

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On the Second Sunday of Advent we lit the Bethlehem or Peace Candle. Reflecting on peace today we can gain insight and encouragement from Philippians 4:6-8.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth I see 2 major characters that followed the advice of the Apostle Paul. Zachariah and Mary are good examples to us of peace in crisis. Zachariah was a priest and while on duty in the temple an angel appeared to him and told him his wife of many years would have a child. Zachariah questioned the angel in disbelief and was chastised for his faithlessness by being told he would not speak again until the child was born. He spoke after John was born and proclaimed prophecy about his child and the Messiah to come.

Luke 1:76-79 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zachariah learned a valuable lesson that focusing on our doubts and fears is not what God desires for us. God does not want us stuck in unbelief but focusing on what He has for our future and walking in faith each day with Jesus.

Likewise, Mary focused on the possibilities of God when confronted by an angel and was told she would bear a child even though she was a virgin. She wondered how this could be but did not question the ability of God to perform this miracle. Luke 1:35-38  “And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Shortly after this, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. There Mary eloquently proclaims for all time the blessing she is receiving from the Lord.

Luke 1:46-49 “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name. Mary’s focus was not on all the problems and worries this pregnancy would bring but on the blessings of the Lord. She was at peace with God’s plan and trusted in Him.

What can you see in your life situation that is cause for worry and fear that you could turn into peace if you trusted in Jesus? Paul tells us that the peace that Jesus gives surpasses all explanation and will guard and protect us as we walk with Him. Just like Zachariah and Mary, we need to keep our minds focused on the good things, on Jesus, on His grace and mercy on the possibilities with God and He will bring us peace.

May you find the Peace of Jesus today.

Linda

Clear Prophesy that Encourages Our Faith

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The second part of Zachariah’s song of praise and prophecy shows his father’s heart and reveals what God has planned for both his son and the effects of the Messiah upon the world. Luke 1:76-80

“And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Zachariah’s speaks of who his son will be and his godly mission. John would be a prophet and prepare the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah. He would preach repentance and point the people to God. I am reminded of Isaiah’s prophetic words about this coming messenger from God. Isaiah 40:3-4 gives a description of this messenger and his purpose and was written hundreds of years before John’s birth. “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness
    for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.                     Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” In the Gospel of John Chapter 1, John the disciple, uses Isaiah’s words to describe this John the Baptist. John 1:22-23 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” John preached repentance for sin and baptized with water. He said one was coming who would be greater than he. John 1:26-27 “ John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

Zachariah then prophesied about the light of God that would be coming into the world. He would come to give light in our dark world of sin and death and guide us towards peace with God. Jesus spoke of himself as the light to this world. John 8:12 “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 12:35 “Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.” John 16:13 speaks of the guidance Jesus promised through the Holy Spirit, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” John 16:33 speaks of peace in Jesus, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Zachariah’s prophecies were immediately fulfilled in the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus and after Jesus’ death in the coming of the Holy Spirit!

This chapter concludes with an anecdote on the growing up years of John before he began to preach. 80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. 

God is clearly visible in the fulfilled prophesy included in Zachariah’s song. Praise God for these confirmations in scripture that build and encourage our faith.

Linda

A Song of Praise from Zachariah

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After 9 long months of not being able to speak, Zachariah’s silence ends with the naming of his son John, just as the angel had said. The Lord graciously gave Zachariah words of prophecy that burst forth along with his praises. What a wonderful confirmation to Zachariah and Elizbeth that their son John was to have a part in God’s plan for mankind along with the coming savior. They knew Mary, who was staying in their home, was carrying God’s child. I am dividing Zachariah’s prophecy into two days. Here is part 1 of   Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:67-75:

67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy                          68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.          Praise God, He is accessible.
                                69 He has sent us a mighty Savior
    from the royal line of his servant David,  Praise God, Savior Jesus is coming.
70 just as he promised            Praises, God keeps His promises   
    through his holy prophets long ago.       from generation to generation.
71 Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.         Praise God, The Savior will bring salvation.
72 He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—   Praise God, He is merciful and faithful.
73 the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.        Praise God He kept His covenant with Abraham..
74 We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,     Praise God, He removes our fears.
75 in holiness and righteousness       Praise God, He provides holiness and righteousness.
    for as long as we live.

Zachariah knew the Lord and his prophecy is filled with the character of God. He tells what God has done and will do in the future.

How long is your memory? Do you recall things God has done in your life and continue to give Him praise? What about your salvation, His precious promises to you that He makes in His Word, His mercy and faithfulness? Do you thank Him for providing Jesus and a way to be reconciled to Him in spite of your sin? Do you thank Him for answered prayer and the fact that you can go to Him 24/7? Do you thank Him that He is willing to hear about you and your struggles and that He cares for you and about you? What would your own song of prayer be like? What would you include? Both Zachariah and Mary were overcome with who God was and what He was doing that they burst into song. Think about your life. What excites you to praise and thank God? May this season of giving and loving others stimulate you to thoughts of praise to Almighty God! May you sing your own song of Praise to God.

Linda

God of the Impossible, for Real!

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How do you react to startling news? Do you deny it is even possible? Do you accept it with grace and just absorb it quietly? Do you jump up and down shouting for joy? Each of us reacts to situations in our own way. Zachariah was no different. He had heard and seen the angel. He heard the angel tell him that he and Elizabeth would have a child in their old age and that their son would have a mission for God. But seeing and hearing didn’t register belief. Here is Zachariah’s response to the angel, Luke 1:18-25.

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

Mary and Joseph had questions for the angels that appeared to them too but their questions did not present doubt in God’s ability to follow through. Zachariah could only think in human terms and knew he and Elizabeth were too old to have a child. He focused on the impossibility of the situation not on the power of God. If he had just thought for a moment before speaking, perhaps he would have remembered Abraham and Sarah who had a child in their extreme old age. Abraham was 100 and Sarah in her 90’s when they had Isaac. God is the god of the impossible and Zachariah forgot that in the moment. The angel rebuked him for his unbelief and said he would not be able to speak until John was born. I think that was probably a long 9 months for Zachariah as he waited expectantly to meet this child God was sending to them. As confirmation that something amazing had happened to Zachariah, the people noticed he was different in addition to not being able to speak. They saw by his demeanor was different and they concluded he had had a vision or an encounter with God. I’m sure Zachariah was able to tell them somehow of his angelic vision and the message he had received.

How big is your God? How capable is He? Do you rule out miracles or pray with faith for divine intervention? Consider the words of Isaiah 40:28-30

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

The God who caused Zachariah to not be able to speak, who created a new life in old bodies for both Zachariah and Elizabeth and Abraham and Sarah is the God who brought Jesus as a babe to bring us unto Himself. God is the god of the impossible. In Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jesus was talking about being saved from sin. Only God could make that impossibility possible and He did it by sending Jesus.

Thank you Lord for this season filled with hope that reminds us that you are the God of impossible things.

Linda

Advent…Unbelief or Belief, Your choice

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Scripture tells us that Zachariah was a godly man, followed the law and was blameless. He was a man of faith and lived his life devoted to serving God. What happened next surprised me, but when I think of my own faithlessness and doubts it shouldn’t. Zechariah let doubt and unbelief take hold of his thoughts and mind and here is the result. Luke 1:18-22 from The Message translation.

18 Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.” 19-20 But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.”

21-22 Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary. When he came out and couldn’t speak, they knew he had seen a vision. He continued speechless and had to use sign language with the people.

Zachariah heard the message from Gabriel about the son that would be born to he and Elizabeth, and he did not believe God capable of making that happen. He let the fact that he and Elizabeth were old be greater in his mind than the resources and power of God. Gabriel saw and heard his unbelief. Unbelief is sin and sin has consequences before Almighty God. Gabriel did not strike him dead but touched him in a way that Zachariah would know beyond a doubt that God was in control and He is not to be doubted. Later in our story Mary questions Gabriel, but her questions do not come from unbelief or doubt in God’s ability to make it happen like Zachariah. God is okay with questions but not with unbelief. So, Zachariah’s ‘punishment’ would be his inability to speak, since the words of doubt came out of his mouth, until the baby was born. My guess is that immediately Zachariah knew his error in judgement and went from doubt to faith in a heartbeat. Now he had to live with the consequences of his unbelief until the birth of his son.

The crowds were waiting outside the temple for the priest to come out from offering prayers and they immediately knew something had happened to Zachariah. His gesturing showed he could not speak but probably there was a look on his face that revealed his wonder at the encounter with an angelic being as they concluded he had seen a vision from heaven. What outward signs are evident in your countenance that you have been with God after a time of prayer? Does your prayer time give you peace and hope? Do you allow this peace to be expressed towards others?

This real life story of godly Zachariah speaks to my heart as I see my own doubts and fears lived out by him. I am reminded of the scene from Mark 9:23-24 where Jesus helps a mute, demon possessed child brought by his father after the disciples had failed to cure him. He came seeking Jesus’ help and wondered if He could cure him. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

I am so with the father of this child as I too pray for Jesus to help my unbelief. Prayer changes things and helps us to solidify our faith as God speaks to our hearts and minds and reassures us of who He is. When you find yourself overcome with doubt, be like this father, pray for Jesus to help you overcome your unbelief. He will answer as you seek to know and trust in Him.

Linda