18
God’s Ways: Mysteriously Revealed
Rod ShimabukuroLuke 1:14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
16He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
This promise was spoken to Zechariah by the Angel of the Lord, while inside the Temple, burning incense to the Lord. The prophetic word involved the miracle of a son being given to he and his wife Elizabeth. He is to be called John. Since Mary and Elizabeth were relatives (v36), John becomes the relative of Jesus. It’s interesting how close in age John and Jesus were. Scriptures seem to indicate they were certainly under a year part (v26).
Imagine being given this promise described in verses 14-17…and years later, your son acquires the taste for locusts and honey. And he’s not up with the “modern day dress code. He’s soooooo different, unique…even weird! The calling John is to fulfill seems to fit a dignitary of sorts. But no, like the entrance of God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah…both John and Jesus enter in miraculous, angelic involved ways!
The contrasts of their mother’s are so fascinating. One older, married to a priest, pass child bearing years. The other a young virgin, engaged to a carpenter. Interesting.
I want to live differently first of all, by appreciating God’s approach to humanity. The way He orchestrated the entrance of John and Jesus, who their parents are… make me just say WOW GOD…You’re mysteriously incredible! My heart is just filled with amazement, worship, adoration - for my God. For His ways and purposes. And I'm so thankful for His revelation.
The other life action is that I want to trust in His ways. I acknowledge that His ways are at times mysterious, yet understandable, acknowledgeable :) I am more moved to trust His ways for my life, my families lives and others too!
I’m so thankful for You - opening my heart to see, believe and feel what I do. My experience just meditating on You and this passage moves me to love You, worship You and trust You! Thank You!!! Thank You!!! I love You…Godhead Father Jesus Spirit!
