Luke 1:57-66
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 1:57-66 remembering that Zechariah was rendered mute for just over nine months after he refused to immediately accept the proclamation of Gabriel (Luke 1:5-20).
It’s amazing what a good, long time of reflection can accomplish. Zechariah has gone from doubt to one hundred percent belief and obedience in the span of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Gabriel said that this miraculous child should be named John, and now Zechariah is eager to reject the customs of the day and stand in solidarity with Elizabeth. From silence comes new wisdom.
We considered before that silence and reflection are counter-cultural in a world full of noise and distractions. Stop to think about how you are attempting to create space for God to speak to you and transform your doubts into belief and obedience.
Speak openly with Jesus about this for a moment taking time to listen as much as you talk.
Read Luke 1:57-66 again noticing what Zechariah does immediately after receiving his voice back, and then notice what happens to the people around him.
Elizabeth and Zechariah’s fellow townspeople have undoubtedly been astonished by Elizabeth’s pregnancy and the birth of her child, but it is the obedience of Zechariah and the resulting healing and outpouring of praise that send a ripple of awe across the community. Because Zechariah obeys, the entire community comes closer to God.
The Hebrew notion of knowing God involves action. It is not enough to study God and know about God, rather we come to know God as we fall in line with God’s good and perfect ways. In yielding to God’s directive, Zechariah is filled with new knowledge of God, and he responds in the only way possible – praise. The blessing of his submission to God overflows to all those around him.
Obedience to God illuminates the path to life and joy.
For the remainder of your time in meditation, get still and listen to Jesus.
How might Jesus be calling you to fall in line with his good and perfect ways today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.