Ever had a once-in-a-lifetime experience (apart from being born!)? Today we meet a man who did: and who found it was more terrifying, and more wonderful, than he could (literally) believe.
A couple’s pain
Read Luke 1:5
• What are we told about Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth (v 5-6)?
• But despite his position and their godliness, what is missing from their lives (v 7)?
A priest’s privilege
Read Luke 1:8
Zechariah is here chosen to go into the Holy Place in the temple in Jerusalem; the area of the temple where God dwelled. He’ll only do this once in his whole life of serving as a priest. It’s a great moment for this old man, the highlight of his career.
God’s plan
Read Luke 1:11
Zechariah gets more than he could possibly have imagined! When he goes into the Holy Place, an angel, a heavenly messenger, is standing there!
• How does Zechariah (understandably!) react (v 12)?
• What is the angel’s message (v 13)?
• What do we learn about their son’s:
• effect (v 14, 16)?
• relationship with God (v 15)?
• mission (v 17)?
Read Luke 1:18
• How does Zechariah react to the angel’s words (v 18)?
• What is the angel’s message to him (v 19-20)?
Zechariah would have had plenty of time in the quietness of his head to realise that what God plans, happens: however unlikely or extraordinary it is.
A woman’s pleasure
Read Luke 1:23
• Why should what happens in verse 24 be no surprise to Elizabeth or Zechariah?
• How does Elizabeth respond (v 25)?
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TIME OUT
Luke’s Gospel begins with God bringing life to a lifeless place: a living child in a barren womb. And it will end that way too: with a living man in a burial tomb. Truly, God is “the God who gives life to the dead” (Romans 4 v 17).
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APPLY
• When God answers a prayer of yours, do you respond as Elizabeth did? Anything you need to praise and thank God for right now?
• How does this episode increase your faith in God’s promises about the future?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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