Awe & Wonder

Luke 1:5-7 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

LUKE makes several references to secular rulers during the time of Jesus’ life on earth. Herod is mentioned here. As an historian, Luke gives evidence to prove God’s story is not fantasy but has a place in history. This is a crucial aspect to our defense of Jesus’ life and the gospel records as true events at a particular time.
    Then Luke introduces a husband and wife very similar to Abraham and Sarah from Genesis, Manoah and his wife (parents of Samson {interesting her name is not given}) in Judges and Elkanah and Hannah from 1 Samuel. God had formed Zechariah and Elizabeth to live in faith with him as we learn “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.”
    Wow! Blameless before God, they are as good as people can be. But we must remember they were not without sin. Being blameless before God is to diligently strive to live obediently to God’s law. They would be humble to confess their sins and follow the “law of Moses” as written in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers.
    Sadly, something was imperfect in their marriage. To be childless was a serious cultural and family problem in Israel. A marriage without a son was incomplete, seen by some as a curse. A son was vital to carry forward the father’s name, his land, and his work. But in God’s plan, Zechariah and Elizabeth were a vital part of the miracle story of Immanuel, God come down.
    We’ll see how God demonstrated the transformational power of his gospel through this couple. From Elizabeth’s barren womb will come the last Old Testament prophet in their son John (the Baptist).
    John will point to the first New Testament prophet, Jesus. God had revealed his plan throughout centuries of his prophets’ proclamations. Now he’s ready to break forth into the world in a new and wonderful way. Go to Luke 1 in your Bible and listen to their surprise, wonder and awe for God.
    Has God done a miraculous work in you? If you are saved in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, he certainly has! If you are married and have children, he has. If you are alive and know of God, he has. In what other ways has God’s miracle work become known in your life? Be in joyous surprise, grateful awe and true wonder of God’s life work in your life. 
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, Son and Spirit for life and all the wondrous miracles you offer to me. In Jesus’ name I rejoice. Amen.