An Angelic Visit

N.T.#469 "An Angelic Visit"

Jan. 21, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

Zacharias was at the right place (Temple), doing the right thing (burning incense so God would her the prayers of His people), and at the right time. This priest and his wife, Elisabeth, were barren, not children in the home. They were beyond childbearing, years by this time. 

Don't you think they prayed year after year, day after day for a child? Yet none came to them, not even a Word from God, until now, in the Temple. Probably the couple had prayed for a son, for a Messiah, or both. Remember, it had been 400 years since God spoke or revealed anything to His people the Jews.

Then it happened. 

What happened?

• An angel of the Lord stood at the right side of the altar of incense. (verse 11)
• When Zacharias saw the angel, he was troubled (to stir up or agitate) and fear (alarm or fright; be afraid, exceedingly; terror.) fell upon him. (verse 12)
• The angel told Zacharias to Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (verse 13)
• And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. (verse 14)
• For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (verse 15)
• And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (verse 16)
• And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers of the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just: to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (verse 17)

What a day! What a scarry time. What a divine revelation! What a divine message! God sent His angel to tell Zach that His prayers were heard and answered. This older couple was going to have a son. What a miracle!

LET IT GROW 

I think Zach's reaction of fear was a normal one. An angel of the Lord had appeared to him. Besides that, the angel was conversing with him. Do you think this shook-up Zach? He and his wife were going to have a baby in their old age. Not only that, but this baby was also going to preach the good news, preparing the way for the Lord, the Messiah.  What a blessing beyond their dreams!

We know what a man this miracle child became! How blessed this Jewish couple was and is. Their child turned hearts to the Lord Jesus. Their child turned the disobedient to wisdom of the just. I say it was a blessing!

We are going to stop there in verse 17. Join us tomorrow for more of this story.

LET IT GO 

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name-King Jesus.

How has God blessed you and your family?