The Advent Season

I've been camping out in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1 for the last week and a half in order to better prepare my heart for the Advent season. My attention has been captivated with Dr. Luke's account of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Luke 1:6-7 particularly piqued my interest.

 

"Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly folk, careful to obey all of God's laws in spirit as well as in letter. But they had no children, for Elizabeth was barren; and now they were both very old" (TLB).

 

Note the following points about them:

 

(1) Both Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly, consistently obedient people, devoted to prayer and the service of the Lord (vs. 8-13). 

 

(2) Elizabeth was barren. In that time, a clear indication of God's blessing and rewards/approval was connected to the fruitfulness of a woman's womb (Psalm 127: 3). Her barrenness opened the door of doubt and public scrutiny about their character and their significance in God's sight. 

 

(3) Elizabeth had gone through menopause. The answer to their prayers for children and for His blessing seemed to be "No."

 

But look how their circumstances were about to change. 

 

Gabriel's heavenly message affirmed that God had heard their prayers, that He would bless them with a son, that this son would prepare the people's hearts for the coming of the long awaited Messiah, and that he was to be, uncharacteristically, named John.

 

So what was Zacharias' response to this power-packed, history-altering, personally benefitting, faith-requiring, miraculous, abundant answer and message from the angel that stands in the presence of God?

 

"Yeah right! Been there, tried that. Prayed for that too. We're too old. It's impossible."

 

Wow! Have you ever slammed the door shut on God's plan for you? (If you have, you're in good company.) Was it over something that didn't require as much faith as needed by Zacharias? Has God's seeming lack of answers to your prayers eroded your perceived significance in His eyes? Worse yet, have you convinced yourself that God isn't listening?

 

Good news! God's truth consistently circumvents our circumstances where our logic fails us. His truth will always obliterate Satan's lies. His love never fails. His timing, answers, plans, and divine will won't align with ours. (We should praise the Lord for that!) (Isaiah 55:8-11). This is our God. 

 

While we are familiar with the rest of the story, don't let your circumstances, understanding, perceptions, fallen desires, etc. prevent you from experiencing the fullness of God's love and truth for you. While God's plans may include us, they are much grander than our temporal vantage points.

 

Be diligent about enjoying the wonder of this season.

 

 

Jason