June 20 Top of the List

Luke 1:23-25 When his 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 cool dude. He’s so faithful. Look at him. God has placed a big-time (no, HUGE) favor on him and his wife Elizabeth. A very special son, John, is coming. John will point the way to the Messiah. Zechariah is UP THERE!
     But look at his response. He remains faithful to his duties. He has an appointed time to be in Jerusalem, so he can work at the Temple. No, he isn’t suddenly too important to forego his service to God and to the Jews. He faithfully fulfills his priestly duties just as he always has.
     Then see Elizabeth. You have to love her. She is amazed, honored and humbled over what God has done. God has opened her long barren womb to give her a son. What a beautiful response to God’s blessings: “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.”
     Are you amazed at what God has done in your life? Are you feeling honored and humble that God has chosen you to be his child? Are you experiencing God’s favor on you? Have you stopped to consider, as I asked yesterday, the remarkable things God has brought to your life? Elizabeth did. I hope you do know God’s great favor for your life.
     I know. Most days, as we experience life’s realities, it’s difficult to feel anything special from God, isn’t it? Often you’re dealing with those inevitable “too” things. You know what they are: too much stress, too many worries, too much doubt, too little time with God, too much time with hassle, too undecided…and the list goes on too long. How is it possible to know God’s favor in these circumstances?
     Let’s learn how from Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s example. Remember how this couple was, “Both of them were upright in the sight of God.” (Luke 1:6) Upright before God means you trust him. You obey his commands, and you look his way when you make decisions. Upright before God is believing 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.
     That’s what you do, when the “too’s” are too much. Put God at the top of your list. Go ahead. Write your list of who and what is most important in your life. Is God anywhere near the top? If not, rearrange your list. Put God at the top. I mean at the TOP - before everything! Put HIM up there. Look up to him and be upright in him. Then you will see how his favor will increasingly cover you.
     Be as Zechariah and Elizabeth. Humbly serve the Lord because he is most important of all in your life.
 
Prayer: Lord God in Heaven, I put you at the top of my 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.