December 4, 2023
Topic: THE BIRTH OF JESUS: LESSON IN HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE-
Zechariah and Elizabeth”
Text: Luke 1: 5-25
Memory Verse: “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. (Luke 1: 6 NIV)
Children of God set out on journeys or assignments with prayers and a spirit led mindsets for positive outcomes. When challenges arise on the journey or in the course of the assignment, we commit them to God and trust in His divine interventions for resolutions. However, persistent and long challenges in situations of health, finances family etc. weary the soul, can weaken our faith and even cause others to doubt our standing in the Lord.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were priests married from lineages of priesthood but were childless because Elizabeth was unable to conceive. They were well advanced in age and the bible recorded, were faithful and blameless before God. What a testimony! They had built up a strong investment with God and did not falter no matter the condition and situation they found themselves.
Failure to have children can be easily viewed as having unresolved challenges with God. However, they were simply God’s righteous servants who had not yet been blessed with children. Barrenness is not a curse when we are in good standing with God; we are assured that the Lord hears all prayers. Infertility issues do not reflect God’s love for us. Bible says in Ps 84:11, “For the Lord is our sun and shield. He gives grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right”.
In verse 13 of our text, the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John” God responded to his heart’s desires in prayer, but because of unbelief and doubts, God caused him to be mute until the day the child was born. This shows that even when we doubt God on occasions and fall into disobedience, in His love He still considers the totality of our lives in His will
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 bible tells us to Examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith; test ourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? Zechariah and Elizabeth were in the faith. 1 Peter 5:6 tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time, He will lift us up in honour. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”
Consider this: Delay is not denial. God knows and sees all our challenges. We must be encouraged and not grow weary. God is never late.
Prayer: Help me to be always humble and obedient to your word and submit my will to you always that your favor may rest on me.