Sunday, December 5, 2010
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:18-20 (ESV); And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
The angel’s prophetic word was incredible, but Zechariah could not trust it fully when surrounded by such natural impossibilities of age and barrenness. The angel had spoken, and because of his unbelief, Zechariah would be dumb and deaf for the next nine months – a punishment of utter silence.
God’s plan for mankind is set in stone. From Eden to Armageddon the plot is set, the Victor determined, the victory complete. God scoffs when man tries to thwart His plans, for nothing in heaven or on earth or under the earth can alter the outcome. Not even sin and death – the ultimate accolades of the enemy – can withstand the power of God! Zechariah’s objection and distrust could not change the will of the Lord. The punishment affected him personally, but it did not affect the promise. As God had been silent to Israel, so Zechariah would be silent until the birth of the “Elijah” – the first prophetic voice to break the silence of God.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. How does this passage speak to you in regards to the greater Christmas story? What does the Holy Spirit say to you about its importance?
2. Have you ever been punished by the Lord? What happened? What did you learn from it?
3. Ask the Lord to reveal promises that He has given you that you have doubted or forgotten about. Bring these things to prayer and ask God what to do with them now. How can you claim them?
4. Ask God to give you a promise for today.
