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by Sandy Shaw
In Luke 1 at verse 17, we learn that one main task of John’s ministry was to prepare a people for the coming of Jesus Christ.This is part of our ministry - TO MAKE A PEOPLE READY FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD.
After all this had been announced concerning the birth of John, Zechariah, the faithful and deeply spiritual man of God whose prayers have been heard and who has been specially chosen, asks - “How can I be sure of this?” Is he beginning to rationalise his way out of this?Is he beginning to try to wriggle out of his calling just like Moses tried to?“I’m an old man and my wife is well on in years.” I’m too old Mr. Angel. These things can’t be true.Well maybe they are true, but perhaps you have come on the wrong day to the wrong service, Mr. Angel.This message may be for the priest who is on to-morrow - for someone else.Is that not what we can tend to say at times?
The angel has to say, Enough - I am Gabriel - I stand in the presence of GOD. It is GOD Who has sent me to speak to you, and to tell you this good news.
We pray for God’s Will to be done, and we go on praying, and then when He does something, we are totally amazed and even filled with unbelief.This reaction of Zechariah is so very human.Many can identify with the way in which Zechariah initially responds. The wonderful truth which emerges from these verses is that God does not reject us if we react and respond in this manner!
Verse 18. “How can I be sure of this?” Sometimes it is good to ask God questions, particularly when we really want an answer, but it is dangerous to argue with GOD.It is dangerous to question and doubt special messengers which He sends at times, because Gabriel gives Zechariah a sure sign, and what a sign to give a priest. “Now you will be silent, and not able to speak until the day this happens.And the reason?Because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.
Verse 21. Remember that all this has been going on in the Temple. The praying worshipping people must have been wondering what was going on behind the curtain. When Zechariah emerges from behind the veil, they realise that the man of God had seen a vision.GOD had spoken and had revealed Himself to man, for the first time in 400 years.
Zechariah disperses the people with signs. Can you imagine them walking home that day through the streets of Jerusalem and talking about the things they had witnessed in the Temple?They would be glad they had not missed that service.
Faithfulness is rewarded.Faithfulness is always rewarded.Remain faithful to Almighty God no matter what you may be experiencing at this present time.There can be lengthy delays in answer to some prayers and that can test our faithfulness.Be faithful right to the very end no matter how hard the struggle might be.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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