Good Monday dear friends.
Yesterday we studied the message of John the Baptist and his message of "Bath Time!" a call for all people to be washed clean of their sins and to enter into a relationship with God. We learned we cannot hide behind tradition or family ties. The old saying, "God has no grandchildren" come through John's message. God desires all of us to be sons and daughters. There are NO grandchildren, just those who choose to be left out.
As we enter into a time of devotion, please lift up your own prayers for the needs mentioned at church. Our brother Armando Contreras' cousin Shirley, was in a very bad auto accident with an 18-wheeler and her condition is critical in a hospital in Austin. Our prayers of comfort for Susan Cassidy on the loss of her husband on the day before Thanksgiving. Susan was our longtime waitress in San Antonio for our reunion group at Cracker Barrel and we would pray for her husband who suffered from heart problems. She knew we were there for prayer and asked us every week to pray for Bob. May the Lord comfort her and all service people today and all days.
Let's pray, "Giver of life and Receiver of those who are yours, grant your peace and comfort to those loved ones you've recently received into Your arms. Divine Physician, grant your healing touch to those whom we've mentioned who need Your touch. And for us as we meditate on Your word, please touch our souls and spirits to be faithful in all things to You. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen."
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: The life of John the Baptist is an interested God-led life. Even his birth was a miraculous one by human standards. Let’s review that special birth to very special parents as found in Luke 1:5-25. What would have you thought were you “the dad” or “the mom?” Write those thoughts down. Be honest, wouldn’t “impossible” be one of the words you would have used on either side of that special “birth-to-be?”
Here is the Luke text:
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years." 19 The angel replied, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur." 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 "This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people."
Elizabeth and Zechariah were well into having discounts at restaurants and hotels. Their AARP cards were upgraded to platinum status. Unlike their friends who had tons of photos of grandkids, helping make Eli and Zach's stock in Kodak go through the roof, they had no grandkids because they had no kids. And at their age, a condo in Florida might have sounded great, but they were still active in serving the Lord.
The Bible, being an honest book, shares their thoughts and feelings about what was going to happen. How would you have felt?
The verse that jumps out at me is the one that has Gabriel saying, "Your prayer has been heard." Uh, hello? I believe I prayed that pray some 70 years ago, when I was in my twenties! You remember the young, emphasis on YOUNG man, fresh out of seminary, assigned to First Jerusalem as associate pastor in charge of youth. I was the guy with dark hair, a full head of hair, I might add. I had energy and strength. That was me on my knees praying that prayer back then. And I prayed it often and for some long years, but after a while I just asked God to help me live a blameless life. Now, in my golden years you come to share these news?
I think I would have thought those things. I don't think I would have dared say that to an archangel. It was bad enough that doubt caused the mesenger to cause Zach to go mute for his unbelief, I can't begin to imagine what outright indignation towards him would have caused.
What would you have thought? Write those thoughts down. How have you felt towards those prayers you've thought were not answered which might turn out to be prayers answered long after you prayed them?
The good news from today's lesson: Nothing is impossible for God! Say that to yourself and share that with someone today in casual conversation, Nothing is impossible for God!
PRAYER: God of all things possible. Grant us your patience and peace as we seek to be your people today. For all answered prayers we praise you and thank you. Let us be someone's answered prayer today. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great day!
Blessings,
e.v.
