Dear Logos Family,
“….since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 (NIV)
Dr. Luke gives us the most detailed account surrounding the birth of Jesus. The first chapter alone contains eighty verses, one of the longest in the Bible! In that first chapter we are introduced to Zechariah, the priest, Elizabeth his wife, John the Baptist, (Zechariah and Elizabeth’s baby), the angel Gabriel, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Each one plays a central role in the birth narrative.
I’ve been ruminating over Zechariah the last few days. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah as he was performing his priestly duties in the temple. Gabriel exclaimed to Zechariah that his prayers had been heard and that he and Elizabeth would have a baby. (They couldn’t have children up to that point.) Gabriel also told Zechariah that his son would be used by the Lord – “in the spirit and power of Elijah… to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make a people prepared for the Lord.” (V17)
Zechariah asked “How can I be sure of this?” revealing his unbelief. Gabriel said that Zechariah would be silent until this happens. And sure enough, Zechariah couldn’t speak until after John was born.
But later in the chapter Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, writes a prophetic word about his son John the Baptist and Jesus (vv67-79). This reminds me how God can turn unbelieving people to the Lord – even professional religious people!
Advent reminds us that God performs miracles and He changes human hearts! Does your heart need to be renewed to believe in the miracle of Christmas? Ask the King of kings and Lord of lords to make himself known to you in a special way this Advent Season!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bill