OBEDIENCE, NO MATTER WHAT

 

OBEDIENCE, NO MATTER WHAT

Luke 1:6-7 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now they were very old. NLT

It wasn't easy for a couple to live life in Jesus' day without children. There was a social stigma associated with a childless couple. It was thought to be an indication that God was not pleased with them. Children were looked upon as being a sign of God's favor. It was therefore a very confusing time for Zechariah and Elizabeth. They both were able to trace their heritage back to Aaron. Zechariah was a Jewish priest, serving faithfully in the Temple. Yet, they were not blessed with children. Why?

Zechariah and Elizabeth were deemed to be righteous in God's eyes. They were known to be a couple who carefully obeyed all of the Lord's commandments and regulations. If you know anything at all about the law of God, you know that it was very demanding and very difficult to keep. This couple did not take the easy road and live in disobedience. They willingly did what God told them to do, and thus, they were found to be righteous before both God and man.

I wonder how many of us take obedience to God as seriously as what they did. They did not have the day-to-day help of the Holy Spirit like we do. They did not know what it was like to live in Christ like we do. Yet, their hearts were right with God because they knew enough about God to fear Him, love Him, and serve Him. They did not let their circumstance in life keep them from obeying God.

As we learn from reading on in our text, the Lord honored their faith and obedience and touched Elizabeth's womb so that they did have a son, even though they were old and past the age when a couple would normally have children. Their son was John the Baptist, the one who rose up to prepare the way for Christ's public ministry.

Never stop trusting the Lord and obeying Him. He moves in mysterious ways and blesses His children in ways that no can imagine or expect. God honors those who honor Him.

Blessed are those who submit to the Lord and obey Him no matter what the circumstances of life may be. They are the true unsung heroes of the faith.