Luke 1:13-17

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Luke 1:13-17

Angels are found throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament delivering messages from God.  The first words of the angel to Zacharias are, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:13, NKJV).  This is important because Zacharias needs the reassurance that he has not done something wrong, and because the angel needs to gain the full trust and attention of Zacharias as he prepares to give him a message from God.  The angel delivers a message that contains much information as follows:

  1. Do not be afraid.
  2. Your prayer is heard.
  3. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son.
  4. You shall call his name John.
  5. You will have joy and gladness.
  6. Many will rejoice at his birth.
  7. He will be great in the sight of the Lord.
  8. He shall drink neither wine nor strong drink.
  9. He will be filled with the Holy spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
  10. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
  11. He will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children’ fulfilling the prophecy found in Malachi 4:5, 6.
  12. He will turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

 

There is much to be said about the above list, however, I would like to bring attention to #11 and note that John the Baptist declared of himself in John 1:23, “He said: ‘I am

“The voice of one crying in the

Wilderness:

‘Make straight the way of the LORD,’”

as the prophet Isaiah said’” [Isaiah 40:3].

This announcement made to Zacharias by an angel of the Lord was to let him know that his son would be the one to announce to the known world that the Messiah is coming, and everyone needs to prepare themselves to receive Him.

 

This is a promise to Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth that their prayers would be answered in a way that is much greater than they could have ever expected.

 

Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth trusted in the Lord and continued to do so even though they had experienced sadness and heartache because they were unable to have children, however, God’s plan for them was to include “joy and gladness” (Luke 1:14).  We too must keep our focus on God’s plan for our lives as it is most likely not what we would expect. We need to be patient in our relationship with God and let Him develop it as He knows best, and what is best for us.  This builds our faith in Him.  It is very important to be aware that our life as a child of God is…in Him.

 

Dear Lord,

Thank You for giving us this great example of keeping our faith in You even in adverse times.  This builds our faith in You and draws us closer to You as we grow in our relationship with You.  Please help us to keep our focus on You and Your will for our lives, each, and every step of the way.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.