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. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 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. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 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. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God 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.” (Luke 1:5-17, NRSV)
Zechariah was chosen by lot to go into the Holy of Holies to light incense at the altar. This was a high honor.
And as he was in there an angel, a messenger appeared to him and told him his prayers have been answered, you will have a son.
You will name him John and he will be filled withe the Holy Spirit.
Now what would you do if this happened?
How do people react to you when you are the messenger?
Yes that’s right, you are a messenger of God.
You take His word to the world. And when you speak of God to the world, do they look at you like you have six heads and 12 hands?
Maybe we should say to the world before we speak of God, what angels seem to say to all they deliver a message to in the Bible, “Do not be afraid…”
Why did the messengers of God say this before their messages?
Maybe because what they were going to say was a bit scary… Or maybe because their appearance was a little scary. In that they looked different, or in that they shouldn’t be where they are.
And as those who take His message to the world, we sometimes look different, and seem out-of-place.
But know as His messenger that He is always with you! So go and boldly share his love and mercy with all!
aSacredRebel 