June 19 Remarkable

Luke 1: 21-22 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out (from the Holy of Holies), Zechariah could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
 
ZECHARIAH had seen and heard from God’s messenger Gabriel. But God has silenced his tongue to affirm his power to do the impossible. Zechariah has an extraordinary event to tell to the Jews in the temple. But all he could do was make signs to them. The people knew something remarkable has happened to Zechariah. Don’t you think this godly priest was frustrated he could not tell of his remarkable encounter with God?
     How about you? Have you ever considered God’s remarkable acts in your life? Have you ever told anyone? What remarkable experiences could you be eager to tell?
     Let’s think for a minute. Would it be remarkable to have a Bible to read? Some of my friends in Africa reading this will certainly tell you how rare it is for people in their church – and even for themselves – to have a Bible. Surely it is an extraordinary thing to have God’s Word so available to you. Many of us have more than one copy, don’t we?
     Or have you thought of this: You have experienced someone praying for you. This is also quite remarkable, isn’t it? As you heard words of love, mercy and compassion from someone caring for you, interceding to the Almighty God for you, an extraordinary event has occurred in your life! Surely we can consider many, many remarkable events in our lives, can’t we?
     Yes, if you are a Christian, you, as did Zechariah, have received some remarkable messages from God. They sound like this: “God so loved you, he sent Jesus to die for you.” “By grace you have been saved.” “Confess Jesus and be saved.” “I will make all things new.” Certainly, you’ve also heard, “I forgive you.” “I love you.” “Be at peace.” “Rejoice and be glad.” “Come to me and I will give you rest.”
     I encourage you to consider the many remarkable ways God has spoken to you. Then do something Zechariah couldn’t do. Speak about your remarkable experiences. Be bursting in your heart to express these events with those around you. Openly confess of God’s amazing words and works into your life. Let people know, and help them see the ways God’s remarkable messages have come to them, too.
     As Jesus’ church, let’s put our voices together. Take a moment to email a remarkable way you’ve experienced God. I’ll share them with the world, so more people will know the great signs of God’s remarkable joy, peace, love and eternal life.
 
Prayer: Father in Heaven, we rejoice together in your remarkable plan to save us to eternal life. In Jesus’ name we rejoice. Amen.