Luke 1

The nativity narrative in Luke is like an old friend---comfortable and easy to take for granted.  Extraordinary events seem ordinary after dozens of encounters.  To keep things fresh, I'm back to the page for some intellectual accountability.

5 things to think about in Luke 1

1. Fulfillment of a hope may be long delayed but not dead.   Zechariah and Elizabeth were both blessed.  As a faithful priest, he had the privilege of seeing the beginnings of the Messiah.  And his son ushered this event in.   Elizabeth had the joy of bearing a child...a son with an incredibly honorable role to play.

2. God may interrupt your everyday plans for something better in His economy.  As John Wayne put it: "Sit loosely in the saddle of life."   Mary and Joseph were engaged and surely had their own dreams for the future, but the Lord had grander plans, and they embraced them.

3. The heavenly realm monitors events on earth.  As much as we'd like, we cannot peer into Heaven.  But the obstruction is one-sided, like a two-way mirror.   Luk 1:13  But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 

4. Doubt is common--even among the righteous.  Luk 1:18  And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." From Gabriel:

Luk 1:20  And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 

5. Answers to our requests (Zechariah asked for a sign), may be granted---to our detriment.

Zechariah got his sign, but also became temporarily mute.  God's economy is tight.

Alexander Ivanov, 1806-1858
"And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense." Luke 1:11