2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF SILENCE BROKEN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Luke 1:5-17
Malachi 4:5-6
“…Counsellor…”
FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF SILENCE BROKEN
It had been over 400 years since the last of the prophets had spoken God’s words to Israel. The people of God had continued to grow as wicked as the world around them. The Jews had finally been cured of idolatry and were very religious. But it was a religion of hypocrisy, especially among the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes. The Pharisees were filled with pride because they strictly kept the Law. The Sadducees were apostate in that they denied the Scripture’s teaching concerning life after death. The Scribes claimed to love the Scripture but spent their time studying men’s writings, not God’s revelation. They added so much to the Law that it became an intolerable burden to the people.
Despite the wickedness everywhere, there were some who were faithful to God. These men and women loved the Old Testament Scripture and were looking for the promised Messiah. Such were the priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth. Zacharias had prayed for years for a son. That prayer had not been answered and, now old, Zacharias had given up hope. But he continued faithfully serving God in the Temple (Luke 1:5-10).
While serving in the Temple, an angel appeared to Zacharias and announced that God had answered his prayers and his wife would have a son. He was told that this child should be named John. He would be filled with the Holy Ghost from birth and would turn many back to God (Luke 1:11-17).
The appearance of the angel to Zacharias broke the long years of silence between the Old and the New Testaments. No doubt Zacharias, his wife and the few faithful with them often felt alone among the hypocrites and the godlessness around them. But God is faithful, and those who follow Him are always blessed. May we be faithful in these days of apostasy which are much like those of old.
THOUGHT: What have I learned from Zacharias?
PRAYER: Father, may I remain faithful although others forsake Thee.