God prepares a prophet to announce His Son

 The first Chapter of Luke is so rich and full.  After 400 years of silence, God speaks through an angel to Zacharias and to Mary, announcing His plans for two very unusual conceptions of two unique people. 

Read through the chapter carefully, asking God to allow you to hear it as if for the first time, just as the people we’re reading about were.  We will be focusing on Mary on a later day – today we want to concentrate on Zacharias and Elizabeth, and the prophecy they are given.   

The first question that comes to my mind is "Why did God choose these people to be John’s parents?"  There is nothing extraordinary recorded about them.  They are described as "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."  Wait - that IS extraordinary, isn't it? No particular accomplishments are mentioned;  rather, it is the daily conduct of their lives that is recorded.  They were obedient, aware that they were walking BEFORE God - living to please Him.  Can I say the same of myself?

And they were childless - having never conceived, I think they may have quit praying for a child by now.  Certainly Zechariah's response to the angel indicates that by his reasoning, their chance to have their prayer for a child answered was long gone.  Yet in God's plans, this answer was right on time.  Now was the time to provide this specific child through this specific couple.  I wonder, is there something that you have been praying for, only to have years go by without seeing an answer - or at least, without seeing the answer you are longing for?  Are you able to believe that God has not forgotten your prayer, and that He will answer in the right way at the right time?   

Now, I don't mind telling you - from a human point of view, the angel taking Zacharias' voice seems pretty harsh to me!  It is worth speculating about what point God may be making here.  We know Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed in faith for a child.  We know that they have lived righteously before God.  We know that God is answering their prayer now.  Could it be that God wants us to take Him at His word without questioning?  Could He be emphasizing that He doesn't forget our prayers, but answers in His time?  Could it be that we can live righteously and still have something to learn about having faith to believe God can do ANYTHING - even when it flies in the face of our life experience?  Could it be that obedience is based upon our relationship with God, not our understanding of His plan and how He will fulfill it?  All of these are true, and each challenges me to stretch my faith in God, my view of Him, and my Americanized-Christianity which tells me that 'I have a right to an explanation and all the facts!' 

(I have to add, I think it's strange that God didn't send any word ahead to Elizabeth about Zechariah's new state of being mute.  Can you just imagine the scene when he comes home and tries to explain via charades?  What motions would you use to convey I saw and heard from an angel, you're going to get pregnant, our child will be a prophet and his job is to tell the people that the Messiah is on His way?!!!  Oh, and the angel's the one who took my voice.  I wonder if he got ANY of it across?  I would get SOOOOOO impatient if I were her!!!  I HOPE he at least got across that she was going to have a baby!  Just sayin' . . . )

The angel prophesies that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit even in the womb, he will come in the spirit of Elijah, calling the people to return to God and prepare themselves for the coming of the Messiah.  Then he takes Zechariah's voice.  My mind is again boggled by God.  Here He's been silent for over 400 years, and when He sends one to speak for Him, it is to announce that the biggest plan of all is being rolled out - the Messiah is coming!  His forerunner is about to be conceived - and ONLY Zechariah knows - and he can't tell anybody!!!  Then when Elizabeth conceives, she hides herself for five months.  I can hardly stand it!  The BIGGEST event of all time is about to occur and God is doing all His preparation in silence.  NO ONE KNOWS.  Everyone's life is going on as if nothing unusual is happening . . . 

I've got to stop there.  WHAT might He be doing now that I do not know about?  I spend so much of my thought life preoccupied with what I am aware of, and how I can affect - or dare I say, manipulate - things in order to move them along . . . but God is moving ALL THE TIME.  And without fanfare.  Oh Lord - quiet my heart and my mind, and show me how to BE in Your presence.  Increase my faith that my life may be lived KNOWING that You are always moving, always preparing what You are about to bring about.  Expand my understanding of life that I may go beyond what I see and think I understand and instead see as YOU see, and move as YOU lead me, without question, knowing that YOU know exactly what You are doing, and when things will unfold.  I want to be a part of the works You have for me to participate in! 

 I'm going to end this post here . . . but there is still so much more to ponder in this chapter, and if you have the time, here are some additional questions and thoughts: 

How awesome is it that John leapt in Elizabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's voice, who was carrying Jesus in her womb?  Couldn't we talk for hours about that meeting alone, and those four individuals being present in the ways that they were present?

Then Mary's spontaneous song about God's greatness, His blessings to her and His faithfulness to His people and to His promises.  Great is the Lord, and worthy to be praised!!!  He WILL fulfill all that He has spoken!

And when Zechariah's voice returns, WOW!  He praises God, extolls His faithfulness, challenges the people to fear and reverence Him with obedience, and prophecies about John's ministry of preparing the people for the coming Messiah.  There's enough meat in that passage alone to satisfy us for more than a few meals!  

People get ready - the Lord is coming!!!