In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. Luke 1:5-7
The Christmas story unfolds from the outside in. Eventually all of heaven and all of earth will be focused on a stable in a small town called Bethlehem. In this opening scene from Luke’s gospel- we encounter two righteous people who had a great disappointment in life. They wanted children, but had none… and time was running out. The internal clock was about to strike midnight. Tick tock. Zacharias and Elizabeth’s faithfulness would be rewarded in miraculous fashion. And to them would be born the forerunner of the Savior of the World. His name would be known as John… John the Baptist! When you walk in righteousness, its no guarantee of every earthly desire and reward. Don’t worry. Righteousness is its own reward for we walk with God.
Am I grieving any earthly rewards and feeling a sense of entitlement?
God, as this day begins, I intend to walk close with You. Help me discern Your voice, be Your go-to guy, and impart to me the wisdom to serve Your people. I am excited!
