Top of the List

Luke 1:23-25 When Zechariah’s time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
 
ZECHARIAH’S a good man. Yes, he’s had his moments of doubts. But still God has placed his great blessing on Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. A very special son, John, is coming. Zechariah is among the most favored priests in Israel’s history.
    How did he respond to God’s favor? He remained faithful. A mark of Zechariah’s faithfulness is his continued commitment to his priestly duties. He completed his appointed time to be in Jerusalem to work at the Temple. No, he isn’t suddenly too important to forego his service to God and to the Jews. Zechariah steadfastly fulfills his priestly duties in Jerusalem just as he always has done in his home village.
    Remember, Zechariah cannot speak because God had judged his unbelieving question, “How can this be?” Zechariah has accepted the Lord’s judgment because he knows the Lord is just.
    Then observe Elizabeth’s response. She was humbled and amazed, honored and grateful to consider God has opened her barren womb. Zechariah would have written Gabriel’s words, so she knows of God’s great gift. Luke records her response to God’s blessing: “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
    We can see Elizabeth’s praise illustrate the gospel. Our salvation through Jesus’ atoning death is a great thing God has done for us! In these days of our salvation, the Holy Spirit leads us into an upright life, a life Zechariah and Elizabeth  have modeled for us.
    Remember how this couple was upright in God’s sight: Luke 1:6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. Upright before God means you trust him. You obey his commands. You look his way when you make decisions. Upright before God is knowing he is your strength and your help. You understand his grace is sufficient to save you to eternal life. Upright is putting God on top of your life’s priorities list. The LORD God says it like this: Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” Keep the eyes of your heart up, always right on God.  
   
Prayer: Lord God in heaven, I put you at the top of my worship list. You are the most important truth of my life. I love you more than anything or anyone. In Jesus’ name, I praise you, amen.