How Strong is Our Faith?

N.T.#470 "How Strong is Our Faith?"

Jan. 22, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

It was an ordinary day as the priest Zacharias burned incense on the altar in the Temple. Yet it was an extraordinary day for him as an angel was sent by God to deliver an unusual message to a. He  barren and older couple.  He would have a son, John. The messenger was Gabriel who stood in the presence of God. Anything is possible with God.

John means the LORD is gracious. 

John would grow up to be a lifelong Nazirite all his life. The Holy Spirit would fill John, even before he was born. He would turn the disobedient people's hearts to the Lord. John would prepare the way for the Messiah. 

How did Zacharas react to this astounding message? He doubted, lacked trust and faith that he and his elderly wife could have such a child and God would do it. 

How can I be sure this will happen? I am an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years. (verse 18, NLT)

But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time. (verse 20, NLT)

Hadn't Zach prayed for a son numerous times? Why did he not trust in the Word of God? He should have believed in the power of God to fulfill His promises. (Gen. 21:1) I am old! I am Gabriel! What a conversation this man had that day in the Temple. 

Yet, we should not come down too hard on Zach. How many times have we prayed specifically and it not happen, then we stop praying for it? How many times have we given up on God?

It took 40 years before I saw the right medical person to obtain the right medicine for my disease. I kept praying, but no results came. God is so gracious that He gave me the right nurse practitioner, who had me try the right medicine. Friend, do not give up. Keep praying. In God's time and way He will answer.

 LET IT GROW

So Zach could not speak until John the Baptist was born, when he named the baby. He could not share the great news with other priests, those praying in the courtyard, nor with Elisabeth when he got home. Did you realize that Zacharias could not hear until he wrote what to name John? (verse 62) What a long time to not be able to speak nor hear. He could not share about his divine encounter. He had to keep it to himself.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let of so our faith and obedience continues to grow? Is it our time we need to give to God? Is it our money? Is it our family? 

Are we walking by faith and not by sight?

To God be the glory for the things He hath done!