21 May 2011

Luke 1:57-66

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

  Sometimes we are given direction from the Lord that does not make sense to people.  Others, even though in our own church or friend circle will not understand.  They may even challenge this direction we are following.  This was the case with the child’s name.  Elizabeth and Zechariah were faithful and did not waiver on what the Lord had directed them to so.  What a wonderful example they have set for us! 

  This also brings up the thought of what we are doing with our lives.  Have we sought the direction of the Lord for our lives?  Do we pray for direction and wisdom when making decisions?  This can be a very daunting task when it comes to large decisions.  I am a very extreme person, so making a big decision is nerve wracking, but very defining for me.  For example, when I pray I talk to the Lord and tell Him what is in front of me.  “Lord, I have two paths I can take.  I feel you are leading me down path A.  If this is not where you would have me go, please slam that door shut so I know if You are in this or not.  I want your will for my life.”  There have been times after this prayer where I have had doors slammed shut; and, there have been times when the path has been made wide and easy to follow.  He will give us direction one way or another, the important thing is to seek His council and follow it once we receive an answer. 

  When we follow the Lord some people will not understand.  Look at the reaction that Zechariah and Elizabeth’s neighbors had when He began to praise and bless the Lord.  We fear what we do not know.  One of the reasons that the Lord does not seem to be present is a lack of faith.  These people did not ever expect God to have an impact in their lives; therefore, when He did do something they were afraid.  We are very much like this in the U.S.  We never expect to see the Lord work at all.  We expect to make our own fortune and luck.  The Lord moves the lot.  The Lord puts those in power whom He wants.  Why are we so surprised when the Lord works?  He is faithful and true.  If we are His people why do we not turn to Him?

  Lord praise you for the example of Zechariah and Elizabeth to follow Your direction for their son.

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