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Over centuries of time the circumstances and challenges of life can and do change. For us, changing conditions are a constant whether we have a progression or a regression. Ironically, the changes in our external existence are the result of our resistance to changing internal paradigms and our predisposed inclinations toward sin. Yes, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So as the unchanged sin nature grips us, we lose hold of our ability to effect righteousness in the world, and the world's conditions tend to degrade - sometimes more than others - and the degradation multiplies in the absence of good godly sense and rghteousness.
In the text we find that Zechariah is serving but the people of God are oppressed, depressed, and suppressed not only by their sin but by an external empire that restricts their existence. As it was in the ancient days, so it is now:
- The absence of good governmental sense over centuries has created an oppressive economic disparity in which the rich grow richer and the poor get poorer.
- The lust for domination and power solidified classism and racism.
- The desire for dictatorship removed safeguards that alerted us to threats of dangerous diseases.
- Now, pandemic pestilence has killed and will kill hundreds of thousands. It has also killed the real economy for you and I.
This has to change. People have said that it would. But it won't change without three factors: Effort, time, and God.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful unto and judged righteous by God. They had no child, no heir to carry on the family's role in the priesthood. In the text, Zechariah is performing his duties in the temple, offering intercession for the people. The angel Gabriel appeared and told him that he would have a son to make him and others glad & joyful for his son would turn many to the Lord. But the couple was old, beyond "getting pregnant" old. Remember the 3 factors?
1. Reach Out In Prayer v13
- Here's where effort comes in. This would not be an immaculate conception. If Elizabeth was to bear a son, then Zechariah and his wife had to get busy. Oh, I don't want to hear about how older people beyond childbearing years aren't interested in making love. Everybody needs to be loved and you need to give your best love to your husband or wife if you have one! It may take some effort but you can do it! You can't love people away from you if you don't love the ones close to you! Why does this become relevant? Zechariah was in the temple praying for the people. But as he prayed for them, God heard his heart! Reach out in prayer. God will hear your prayer for others and grant you what you need! It may not be easy. It may take some effort. But it is your duty! And put some action into play after you pray!
2. Ready The People vv15-17
- The 2nd factor is time. It would take at least 9 months for John to be born. But the redemption of the people through Him whom John would preach would take at least 34 years for Calvary was that far away! No big systemic change happens overnight. Even when it starts, it takes time to become effectual. Don't believe anyone who says thing will change right now! But once John got ready & got started, he would ready the people! What will you do to ready the people?
3. Remember God's Promise vv18-19
- Zechariah heard Gabriel. But the message was from God. I don't care who the message comes through, you need to hear God. In fact, the "angelos" is a messenger. He doesn't obligate God to anything. It was God's promise! And no matter how long it takes, God will do what He said!