Tag: Zechariah

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Are you a quitter?

Haggai 1-2 Way back in the times of Moses, the large book of Deuteronomy lists the blessings and curses for obedience vs. disobedience. Fast forward to Haggai, and we see that the Israelites have yet to learn or recall what God had said, and now they are floundering. God graciously, [How often do we see that characteristic of His?] sends two prophets to them, Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai speaks with great emphasis to the people, and like in Malachi, Haggai uses questions to get the people thinking. First, he reminds them that God sent them back from Babylon to rebuild the temple, but it has been sixteen years since they first began with great flourish! But then this and that happened. The enemies began taunting them, and they quit.

How often do we begin with a great bang of excitement, but then something happens to derail us and send us into the pity party mode, or worse, we just quit. Our archenemy uses the many tactics, one of which is allowing others to distract us from what God has clearly told us to do. Haggai asks the Jews what voice are you listening to? Are you a quitter? God is asking us that same question.  

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“Speeches Reveal the Heart”

Job 8 to 10 Job is facing a severe trial, and at his initiative, he has chosen to quarantine from his home and wife. His friends come to visit and sit six feet apart for seven days without a word for the sight of Job in his distress is so severe. Then, one by one, they begin to dialogue with him about his trial, but instead of gentleness, their words are harsh and full of criticism.

As Job listens, he begins to think of the wonders of creation and the God he has served for many a year. He wonders why this is happening, but his faith remains steadfast, although he asks how a human can be just before God? He shares his understanding of the God he knows, one who is wise in heart and might in strength. His ability to remove mountains shows his power, and he alone spreads out the heavens and treads on the sea waves. Jesus did just that as he walked on the waves on the Sea of Galilee to prove He was God.  Job asks if he passes by me, I cannot see him, and that is precisely the scene the disciples describe. [Mark 6] Zechariah and the Psalmist also describes Him as the one who crosses the sea of storms and will calm its turbulence. [Zechariah 10:11/Ps 107:29]

Faithful one, do you see Jesus as Job speaks? Do we come to God to plead for His mercy for those who are suffering? Do we stop and ask God to understand this dilemma? Do we have the same measure of faith as he; Even if he slays me, I will hope in him.”

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“The Prayer of Incense, Advent and Waiting”

Psalm 141:2 & Luke 1

Luke 1 candle2

Advent is the “in-between” season as we wait to celebrate the Christ child’s birth.  Thus it was in God’s “in-between” time Zechariah was chosen by lot to offer the prayers for the saints waiting outside the Temple. Like Zechariah, we all must learn to wait on God’s perfect time. Zechariah had often prayed but it seemed like those prayers were falling on fallow ground. Would God ever hear and answer? Yet God’s answers come without an age restriction. God had a specially chosen assignment for him and his barren wife Elizabeth. As Zechariah stood ministering God was not only listening but had a message of hope for Zechariah. He would have a son; John the Baptist, to be the forerunner of Jesus.

Do you sometimes think that you are too old to do God’s work?

Perhaps Zechariah felt that way but he also saw faithful waiting was honored even in his advanced age. As was the custom, the lots were cast and Zechariah’s name emerged. He had waited a lifetime for this! In great excitement, he left the Judean hillside where he and his barren wife, Elizabeth resided and walked to Jerusalem.

Now in the courtyard near the brazen altar, Zechariah slowly and meticulously chose the censer to carry the burning coals to reignite the smoldering coals of the incense altar. He then carefully, ever so carefully with his aged palm, reached down to take two handfuls of the incense which would bring a sweet aroma heavenward. In the Holy Place Zechariah quietly stood and then began his work. “Yahweh, hear and accept my prayer.”[Ps 141:2]  As the smoke from the burning incense wafted upwards he wondered; did my prayer fill God’s nostrils with a sweet aroma? God not only heard but chose to answer Zechariah. Swiftly Yahweh dispatched Gabriel to earth and to Zechariah. Go and tell Zechariah I have heard and am answering —-Yet the aged priest said to the angel:  How can this be?

How often does God send His answer and we say how can this be?

Are you waiting for a prayer to be answered? How do you respond?  

 

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 “Witnessing in the Spirit–Part One”

feet-led-passion

Do your palms begin to sweat, your mind runs amuck when you are faced with “witnessing?” Many find that even though their love for the Master is great, their boldness before others is weak. Fear not, you are not alone! Listen to what Paul says: “I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God..” Further he says that he was weak, fearful and trembled.

So how do we overcome these feelings when we love Jesus but find that our excuses outweigh our obedience? This is what Paul did:  He counted on the Holy Spirit’s power which reminds us of Zech 4:6 “Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,”  When we employ that strategy we find that our words do not come from us but from Him. It is God’s work to open the hearts of men.

The Holy Spirit is the power behind our words and emotions.” He will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment –  concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;” [Jn 16] Trust the Holy  Spirit to go before you and He will prepare the hearts. We are the feet of clay to be used by Holy Spirit.

 

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