MONDAY December 5, 2022

When God Speaks

And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Zacharias], standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”
Luke 1:10-14

Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous––blameless. This couple loved God with all their hearts. They were committed and loyal toward him. Yet Elizabeth was barren, and both husband and wife were well past the age of conceiving a child.

As Elizabeth and Zacharias continued to serve God faithfully––obediently, walking in all the Lord’s commandments––God’s plans and purposes were being fulfilled in their lives. The Lord was about to begin a brand new work. Zacharias and Elizabeth were chosen by God to open an incredible chapter of history. Their lives were used to open the beginning scene that ultimately introduced the coming Messiah into the world.

While a multitude of people prayed outside the Temple, Zacharias remained inside the Temple performing his duties. He burned incense in the Holy Place at 3:00 in the afternoon, bringing the prayers of the people to God. Suddenly, Zacharias had a vision. The angel Gabriel spoke to him! At that very moment, 400 years of silence were broken!

The Angel Gabriel brought Zacharias a message from the Lord. God had heard his prayers, and his wife Elizabeth would have a child. Zacharias was in shock! Gabriel told Zacharias to name his son John. This was a time of joy and gladness! An impossibility became a possibility––nothing is impossible with God!

Did you know that God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives? Godly men and women must walk blameless before the Lord if we expect to be used by Him. As we do, His plans will naturally unfold in our lives.

When God speaks, oftentimes His voice will call for an act of courage on our part.
~Charles Stanley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!