Each of the Gospel writers are distinct from one another. Luke makes sure to let us know he has been meticulous in documenting all of his material.
“It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:3-4, NASB)
He was writing to Theophilus but his words assure us as well of his accuracy, of his scrupulous handling of the facts and truth.
He tells us of a husband and wife, Zacharius and Elizabeth. He was a priest and she was barren. Both were advanced in years, meaning past their years of childbearing.
“They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” (verse 6, NASB)
They both loved the Lord, walked in His ways, and their lives honored Him. Yet God did not answer their prayer for a child.
Not yet. Not in the way they had hoped. Not in the usual way when couples are young and starting out.
Being righteous and blameless, he being a priest, how long had they continued to pray for a child? Had they ever stopped praying for God to bless them with a family?
We don’t know. But this we do know – Zacharias continued in his priestly duties. He performed the duties he was called to do of God.
And that is when it happened …
“Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division … an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.“ (verse 8 and 11, NASB)
Right in the middle of doing the normal priestly duties something unexpected occurs. When Zacharias was alone in the Temple, alone with God, doing the ordinary, an angel appears.
The angel delivers an announcement, a promise to Zacharias for both he and his wife, Elizabeth:
“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.” (verse 13, NASB)
Their petition, their prayer, had indeed been heard. The delay was not a denial.
Zacharias and Elizabeth had been faithful to pray. They had been faithful to keep on serving. They kept on believing even when it appeared for naught. They lived with expectancy that their God would be faithful.
May we live with expectancy because our Savior will come.
Our long expected Savior will return.
May our souls be found waiting for Him.
“It’s Christmas Time! What is Your Hope? What Are You Waiting For?” Seems I wasn’t the only one whose thoughts turned to the familiar Christmas carol and the words we know so well. “May this Christmas complete and fulfill the coming of Jesus into our own present experience. Born in Bethlehem long ago, he is now empowered to accomplish true redemption in every “longing heart.” You’ll be blessed as you read Michele Morin’s words.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Mariana B. on Unsplash
I love that account of answered prayer to a couple desperate for a child Joanne & one who would pave the way for the Lord.
Yes may we be ready, watching & not found wanting when our Saviour returns.
Blessings, Jennifer
Their faithfulness was seen year after year by those around them. May this be true of us as well as we wait for His return. Whether we see responses to our prayers or not, our Lord is faithful.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
This is an encouraging truth, Joanne, “They lived with expectancy that their God would be faithful. The delay was not a denial.”
They remained faithful, even though they probably felt discouraged at times. May we do the same, for we never know when, in a single moment, He may respond.
Such a beautiful Christmas message. Come quickly Jesus!
Amen.
Love this encouragement this morning! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Pray, serve, believe, expect–great ways to wait. Thank you.
As they waited for His first coming, so we wait for His return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
We also need to wait expectantly for His return, though not passively. May He help us be shining lights pointing to our risen Savior! Blessings to you, dear Joanne! xo
I love it when our thoughts and our writing cross paths! Thank you so much for sharing my post!
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. We just sang it in church last Sunday.
It must have been so startling to realize the promises from so long ago were actually being answered–and answered among mundane everyday happenings. I’m so thankful God’s delays aren’t denials.
Beautiful thoughts! I love the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. God is good.
Beautiful, Joanne. I pray for expectant hope, even when it looks different than what I imagined. I’m grateful to know the true Hope-giver, I pray to trust Him more.
Yes, we can certainly learn a lot from the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. It’s a beautiful story and song. Our God is so faithful.
This is so encouraging! At least it was to me. I loved this statement, “The delay was not a denial.” Blessings as you point others to the truth and I look forward to reading Michele’s post, as well.
Amen. God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Not when we might want or expect it, but when He chooses because the time is right to bring Him glory. Thank you Ms. Joanne. God’s blessings ma’am.
Joanne, thank you for your post and the encouragement I glean from your message. I read this passage in Luke 1 just a few days ago, and stopped for awhile at the first few verses regarding Luke’s determination to make a thorough investigation. What an encouragement to read again this morning!
Bless you,
Joanne, this right here: “Zacharias continued in his priestly duties. He performed the duties he was called to do of God” – he kept doing what God called him to do in the way that God wanted him to do it. This so speaks to me. It’s been a year where things have been upside down, inside out, braided and unbraided. It has been that step-by-step, not giving up on God, but doing what He calls us to do, even when He calls us to stop and listen. The faith walk does not stop. I love how God fills out our undertanding when He’s ready for us to understand. Bless you, my friend! ~ Maryleigh
Loving that you’re pointing us to remember that Jesus is coming again!
“May we live with expectancy because our Savior will come.
Our long expected Savior will return.
May our souls be found waiting for Him. ” Indeed! This is so encouraging and hope filled.