June 14 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 of them 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 the story is not fantasy but has a place in history. This is a crucial aspect to our defense of Jesus’ life and the gospel as history.
     Then he introduces a husband and wife team very similar to Abraham and Sarah from Genesis. 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.”
     Wow! Blameless before God, they are as good as people can be. But something was wrong in their marriage. To be childless was a serious 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 Emmanuel, God come down.
     We’ll see how God demonstrated the transformational power of his gospel through this couple. New life comes to Zechariah and Elizabeth. From Elizabeth’s barren womb will come the last Old Testament prophet in their son, John.
     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 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.