Meditations on Luke “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:25, NIV Miracles of miracles! Elizabeth is pregnant! This woman who is well beyond child-bearing years is now in her fifth month of pregnancy. Can you imagine the wonder and joy she must have felt? Can you fathom her delight when she felt the baby start moving in her womb? Surely, this one verse encapsulates her emotions and gives us a glimpse into her heart. First, we see the type of relationship Elizabeth has with God. It is one where she gives praise, honor, and glory to Him.
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Meditations on Luke “Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.” Luke 1:21-24, NIV Gabriel silenced Zachariah. The priest’s unbelief carried consequences. I was struck by a few thoughts as I read through the passage. First, the consequence was immediate. Gabriel did not wait until after the temple ceremony was complete. He did not wait to identify a convenient time to silence Zachariah. Meditations on Luke “Zachariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:18-20, NIV Zachariah as we find out, does not believe the Angel of the Lord. He questions him, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” I love how the angel of the Lord answers Zachariah. He addresses Zachariah’s disbelief by giving a resume’ of sorts. Notice, how the angel first gives Zachariah his name followed by his qualifications and references. “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God.” Wow, what an impressive work reference! Meditations on Luke “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled. worshipers were praying outside. Meditations on Luke
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4, NIV This first chapter of the 3rd gospel in the New Testament of the Bible begins with the narrative that “many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things which have been fulfilled.” From the very start of this book, we are told that an event or events have occurred which has brought fulfillment and completion. Luke goes onto assure us that these accounts are accurate representations “by those who were the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” This is an important detail that should not be Meditations on 1 Timothy
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” I Timothy 1:18-20, NIV Memories are powerful. Whether they are happy, sad, or fearful, memories can immediately transport us back in time with vivid detail. In fact, many of us can talk for hours in the retelling of our tales. Before we know it, the past merges with the present and we are once more “reliving the moment.” It is like this for Paul with Timothy. Paul is giving a charge to Timothy by reminding him of prophecies made about him. Why? “…so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience.” In other words, by keeping these memories fresh and forefront in Timothy’s mind, he will be encouraged and strengthened in in the work of the gospel. Meditations on I Timothy
“Now to the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV Words are important. Using the right words in the correct context to accurately convey meaning illuminates understanding, intent, and heart. Paul uses very specific words to describe God. They are rich with significance. We do not want to miss any inferences that will deepen our insight of God’s character. Let us delve into defining these attributes of God that we might discover more about who He is. Meditations on 1 Timothy
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16, NIV Paul is not a proud man. He is keenly aware of his blaspheming, persecuting, and violent past. Nor does he elevate his own righteousness above others. Rather, he acknowledges the extent of his sin for clearly, he is saying that he is one of the sinners who Christ came into the world to save. In fact, he views himself as the worst of all sinners. What I love is that Paul does not stop to wallow here. It would have been easy for him to take the stance of, “Woe is me! I am the worst of sinners.” Instead, he immediately launches into the hope of Christ. |
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