Luke 1: 11-20
Zechariah’s encounter with the angel
Zechariah was a priest in the Temple and this scripture finds Zechariah “on duty that week”. That phrase just struck me – and I thought – how often God, do I go about my “duty” of serving, not asking for your Presence – not expecting it or anticipating it – of thinking it possible that You might want to break into the task before me and completely turn things around?
When the angel appears to Zechariah, he is shaken and overwhelmed with fear. But then there is this beautiful phrase that the angel says to him – “God has heard your prayer”. And not only does God hear his prayer for a son, but the angel then goes on to tell Zechariah God’s identity for his son right down to his name. And what is Zechariah’s response? “How can I be sure this will happen? (Where is the proof?). And then in verse 19, in spite of Zechariah’s doubt and questioning, God does not remove the promise of a son to Zechariah, but assures him that His plan will be fulfilled “at the proper time”. God’s plan fulfilled in John to prepare the way, prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus, our Messiah.
This passage gives me great hope. I have been praying for the salvation of my family for what seems to me a very, very long time. Like Zechariah, sometimes it feels like I am in a barren season where this is concerned. I get discouraged, doubtful – does God hear my prayers? In that barren season, the angel assures Zechariah “God has heard your prayer”. Beloved ones, if this is you, I can tell you that yes He does! God gave me this verse that I hang onto, I trust Him for “Ezekiel 36:26 – I have paraphrased it for my situation – God says – “I will give them a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in them. I will take out their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender and responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in them so that they will follow my decrees and obey my regulations.” Like Zechariah, I can ask the question – How can I be sure – and this is what gives me great hope –vs 19 “For my words will be fulfilled at the proper time”. In this season of Advent, this season of waiting, press in, press on – God hears the cries and longings of your heart.
Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)
Shared by Cathy Linseman
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