Scripture Graphics #94

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course… there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
(Luke 1:8, 11)

Zacharias was doing his duty, being a faithful priest, when God chose to answer his prayer (vs. 13-14). If this couple lived today, they may have become bitter against God, or stopped going to church, because their prayers over the years had been unanswered. But not Zacharias and Elisabeth. They were faithful to God, even though God hadn’t answered their prayer for a child. And, in time, God honored their faithful dedication and gave them a son in their old age—John, the forerunner of Jesus. Are our desires so powerful that they prevent us from staying faithful to God when they go unanswered? Or do we keep diligent to serve God, even in the midst of unanswered prayer?

“But so much the more went there a fame abroad of Him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16)

A Christ-like attitude seeks more of a unified connection with God than the laud and praise of men or a following.

Also, from another angle, Jesus never let the demands and busyness of people’s needs interfere with His alone-time with God.

Our standard is God—not what other do, how others treat us, or what we feel like doing. God’s mercy is greater than the heaven is high (Psalm 103:11), is cloaked in everlasting kindness (Isaiah 54:8), is rich and coupled with His love (Ephesians 2:4), and cleanses away our sins to remember them no more (Hebrews 8:12). Do we extend this type of mercy toward others—especially those who misuse us (vs. 32-35)? Maybe if we meditated a little more on God’s mercy, it would help us to extend more mercy.

God never promises bountiful provision, but He does promise substantial provision. Are we content with our “food and raiment” and day-by-day provision? To ask for more than our actual needs may not be wrong—because God Loves to bless His children—but focusing on more often reveals a lack of faith and trust in God’s ability to sufficiently provide. Do we doubt that God will provide like a loving Father (vs. 9-13)?

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke‬ ‭12:24‬

Share a promise from which you get comfort.