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 in his gospel – and in Acts – to secular rulers to help authenticate the history of God’s work among us. There were many Herod’s ruling different parts of Israel at different times. This one is Herod the Great, who ruled in Jerusalem 37-4 BC. This indicates Jesus was born in 7-6 BC. The birth of Jesus is typically dated in BC (Before Christ). This is because of a complex adjustment in the 500’s to the calendar used then.
    From the earliest years of the church, some false teachers tried to teach that Jesus was only a spirit, or Jesus was simply a man surrounded by myth. It was essential then for Theophilus – and all friends of God – to know the evidence of the incarnate God come to earth in full physical form. Our salvation is only possible because Jesus was fully man and fully God.
    Then Luke introduces a husband and wife very similar to the description of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12. God had formed them to live in faith with him. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.
    To be blameless before God, does not mean they were sinless. It does mean they diligently sought to learn, love and live God’s law. To be blameless before God is to strive to obey the great command of Moses’ law: Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD (Adonai) your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. This couple devoted their lives to the truth.
    But something was wrong. 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.
    Does God work all things, good and difficult, to his purpose? Often we can find it a challenge to believe Paul’s Spirit-inspired words in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. We will often find it difficult to see the good God is doing in our everyday lives and especially in troubled times. But the LORD had a good plan for Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s marriage.
    God will use this couple to be among the many revelations of the gospel’s transforming power. From Elizabeth’s barren womb will come a voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3)