People in the Bible Who Pleased God – Zacharias & Elizabeth

    Opening our Bibles to the first chapter of Luke, we are introduced to a beautiful older couple from the tribe of Levi. The husband, Zacharias, served in the temple, and he and his wife, Elizabeth, “were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:5-6)

    The angel, Gabriel, appeared to Zacharias while he was burning the incense in the temple. When Zacharias saw him he became afraid, but Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, your prayer has been heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:8-13)

    We are told in verse 7 of this chapter that Zacharias & Elizabeth had no child because Elizabeth was barren. I think it is safe to deduce that Zacharias’ prayer was, for a long time, to have a child – he may have even asked specifically for a son – to carry on in service to the Lord. Now, they are both well advanced in years and Zacharias’ prayer has been heard and God is granting his petition: a son, whose name will be John.

    Gabriel tells Zacharias of John’s birth and life: you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth (v14), he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and drink neither wine nor strong drink (v15), he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb (v15), he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (v16) He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (v17).

    Zacharias simply could not believe these glad tidings – How can I know that this will happen? – so, because he did not believe, he was made mute and would not be able to speak until the day these things would be fulfilled.

    We now get our first glimpse at the heart of Elizabeth. After Zacharias completed his time of service at the temple, he returned home and after those days, Elizabeth conceived and she hid herself five months saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach* among people” (Luke 1:25). Elizabeth praised God for being gracious to her and blessing her with a child.

*reproach means shame, disgrace. Read and consider how Rachel felt, and how Hannah felt, when they were barren, and their responses when they were blessed with a child (Genesis 30:30:1-2; 22-23, 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11).

    When Elizabeth was six months along, Mary (who was now pregnant with Jesus), came to visit her. When Mary entered the house and greeted Elizabeth, her baby leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to Mary in a loud voice: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:42-45)

    Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning to her house (Luke 1:56), and it soon came time for Elizabeth to give birth, and a son was born. When their neighbours heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

    When it was time for the baby to be named and circumcised, they expected him to be named Zacharias after his father, but Elizabeth said, “No, he shall be called John” (Luke 1:59-61). When they made signs to Zacharias, he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John,” and they all marveled. At this moment, Zacharias’ tongue was loosed and what was the very first things he did? He praised God!

    Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and he praised God for His mercy in remembering His holy covenant with Abraham and redeeming His people, and then he prophesied about his infant son: “And you, O child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins. Through the tender mercies of our God, with which the Dayspring* from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace.”  *Dayspring literally means Dawn, representing the Messiah

What can we learn from Zacharias & Elizabeth?

    We should pray and continue in faithful service. Zacharias & Elizabeth did not become bitter that they did not have a child; they did not turn from God nor blame Him because Elizabeth was barren. They made their requests known to God and continued in faithful service to Him. Their prayers for a child may have begun within the first years of their marriage, but it wasn’t until they were old that it was granted. Don’t give up on prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Don’t give up on God (1 Corinthians 15:58). Don’t grow bitter, grow better – not so you will earn your request, but so you will be properly prepared for whatever God grants you. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22-23; 5:14-15) and your prayers will be heard!

    When we are prepared we can be useful for God. Zacharias & Elizabeth humbly served God, never knowing that in doing so they were also preparing themselves to be parents to a son who would be the prophet preparing the people for Jesus’ teaching. When we humbly obey God and cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable, we can be set apart and useful for the Master, and prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:19-26). We don’t look for how great or small the task will be or how God will use us, we simply ready ourselves (through continued study, prayer, praise, and obedience) for whatever God gives us to do each day.  

    We can praise God and give Him the glory. Elizabeth gave glory to God before and after the child was born – the neighbours heard that the Lord had shown her mercy – Elizabeth very likely proclaimed God’s praise to all who came to help and visit her at the birth of her son – and the first words out of Zacharias’ mouth were proclamations of praise at God’s faithfulness, mercy, and grace! Whether we are waiting or content, God is worthy of praise! Tuning our hearts toward gratitude and thanksgiving, and thinking about God’s continuing faithfulness, will help us to proclaim His praises to those who ask a reason for the hope that is in us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 2:9; 3:15).

    Zacharias & Elizabeth are not mentioned beyond this chapter, but what is written in the fifty-nine verses pertaining to them shows a lifetime of faithful service to God and each other.  They trusted in God, they prayed to Him, and they praised Him and gave Him the glory. They knew the Scriptures, they knew the promises and prophecies of the Messiah, and rejoiced that the fulfillment of those same prophecies was beginning in their lifetime. We do not get a sense of “Look at me! Look how God is using me!” but of “God is redeeming His people as He promised! God is merciful! God is faithful! May God be glorified!”

    We only have the dash that is carved between the dates on our gravestone, let’s make the most of that time by preparing ourselves to be useful for our Master by humbly obeying His commands each and every day of our lives!

You can do it! So can I!!     

People in the Bible Who Pleased God – Moses

    Many know Moses as the Hebrew baby hidden in the bulrushes in Egypt, or as the man who led the Israelites out of Egypt bondage and gave them the Ten Commandments, but there is so much more that we can learn from Moses.

Here are three things that made Moses unique:

Moses was very humble

“(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth.)” (Numbers 12:3 NKJV)

    When he was 40 years old, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather “to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:24-25), and when he approached the burning bush that same year, and heard the voice of the Lord, “he trembled and dared not look” (Acts 7:30-33). When he heard that the LORD wanted to send him to deliver the Israelites, Moses replied, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” but God assured him, through words and signs (Exodus 3-4), that He would be with him through it all.

    Humility is not weakness, it is recognizing a complete dependence on God, and Moses, acknowledging his own weaknesses, asked God to help him, to go with him, so he could do the things God had given him to do. Take time to read and consider Exodus 33:12-17.    

    In the last 40 years of his life, his older siblings, Miriam and Aaron, rose up in criticism against Moses, but he left it to the LORD, just as Jesus did (1 Peter 2:23) to rebuke them. When punishment was delivered, Aaron immediately humbled himself before Moses and asked that the punishment on Miriam be lifted, and Moses pleaded with the LORD to heal Miriam from the leprosy she was struck with after her dissension. Read and think on Numbers 16, when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram gathered men together in rebellion against Moses (verse 3). Note Moses’ initial response in Numbers 16:4 and his further responses in verses 41-42 and 46-48.

    Moses remained a humble servant to his death at age 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Moses was faithful as a servant

    In his humility Moses felt unqualified, but asking for God’s help, he went and he did what was asked of him.

    Moses, though a stranger to them, stood before the immense and mighty people of Israel, and he prepared them for departure from their bondage by declaring God’s instructions to them. He stood repeatedly before their oppressor, the Pharaoh of Egypt, informing him of God’s power and might. He led the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the wilderness toward the promised land. All of this he felt unqualified to do, yet he did it, seeking God’s help all the while.

    He is remembered as the “servant of the LORD” (by King Joash, 2 Chronicles 24:6), and the Hebrew writer says that “Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant” (Hebrews 3:2, 5). Later in the book of Hebrews, in the chapter highlighting the faithful, six verses outline what Moses did by faith (Hebrews 11:24-29).    

The LORD spoke to Moses face to face

    While rebuking Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12:6-8, the LORD makes clear the unique form of communication He used with Moses:

“Here now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I , the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak to him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the LORD. Whey then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” (NKJV)

    And after Moses’ death it is stated:

“…But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all the land, and by all the mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.” (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 NKJV).

    The LORD spoke to Moses as a man speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11), not in dreams or visions, but in clear, understandable words; words that would guide not only Moses, but God’s chosen people, in obedience and to find grace in the eyes of God.

What can we learn from Moses?

    Like Moses, we can humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5-7). Humility is needed to truly submit to His will (“willing to yield” James 3:13-17), to humbly trust that His commands and instruction are for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24-25), and to do what He has given us to do.

    God has given us a purpose to fulfil: to seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-27), to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), and to proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9). Throughout the New Testament, we find many commands and instructions that help us fulfill our purpose, but sometimes we may feel unsure about our ability to do what God has asked. If so, we need to read the Bible to reassure ourselves of God’s promises and His power; to fortify our trust that He will be with us every step of the way! Remember that it is only by His power, might, and wisdom that we can stand up against the wiles of the devil and overcome evil with good (Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 12:1-21).

    Like Moses, we can be faithful as a servant. Be willing to serve God faithfully for life (Revelation 2:10, Matthew 24:13), not only when it’s convenient, not only when we need something from Him, but always – serve Him faithfully on your good days and on your bad days; when it’s hard and when it’s easy, when He asks much of you and when He asks little. Be willing to trust in His ability, take a deep breath, and step out in faith to obey what He commands!

    Like Moses, we can talk to God always. Tell Him your fears, acknowledge your weaknesses (Philippians 4:6), go boldly to His throne of grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16); ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5) and strength (Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 Peter 5:8-11). Never give up on prayer – it’s your line of communication with our Creator! – pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Talk to God, plead with Him (Luke 18:1-8), make your requests known, and then get up, trusting Him with all your cares (1 Peter 5:6-7), and do what He has commanded you to do.

Are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 16 (Part 2 of 3)

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

    Last week, we looked at the first statement made in this verse; now let’s take time to study the second:

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.

'Do not set your mind on high things' means do not be haughty, exalted, full of pride, or arrogant

'associate with the humble' literally means let humble pursuits lead you, allow yourself to yield to humble conditions, employment, etc.

    God has commanded us, through the apostle Paul, to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2); these are not “high things,” these are heavenly things, where Christ is (Colossians 3:1). When you read the term “high things” in Romans 12:16, I would like you to think about the “high places” mentioned in the Old Testament; the places set up for pagan idol worship (ex: 1 Kings 14:22-23). We, too, can set up these ‘high places’ in our minds – pursuing a career or a promotion at the cost of neglecting God and His way, our family, our brethren, and/or dreaming of a fancier wardrobe, car, boat, house, cottage/cabin, neighbourhood, etc. These pursuits can come between us and God, which would make them an idol – a thing that holds our attention and distracts us from what God wants us to pursue.    

I think it is appropriate to take the time to consider what it is that God created us for:

He made us to seek Him, grope for Him, and find Him (Acts 17:26-27)

He made us to proclaim His praises (because He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9)

He created in Christ Jesus to do good works (that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10)

And now consider exactly what is that God commands us to pursue:

Righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)

Peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14)

What is good both for yourselves and for all (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

    Our minds are to be set on these humble pursuits (Colossians 3:1-4), these good and noble pursuits that will greatly benefit others as well as we who seek after them and develop in them. We can still work (whether inside or outside our homes), but the difference is that whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and we do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:17, 23).

    This humble mindset is one that wholly trusts in God and praises Him for His daily blessings (Psalm 25:4-5, 56:3-4, 68:19) We trust that God knows what we need, and that He will provide those needful things when we make it that our top priority to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). This humble, trusting faith will help us to be content in any circumstance of life, good or bad, because our confidence is in God (Philippians 4:11-14) – love will continue to bloom wherever this humble heart is planted.

    When our humble heart exhibits love it will show us willing to do what is needed, no matter how simple or lowly the task, to help the cause of Christ and/or help a fellow Christian in need. Read and consider John 13:12-17. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, nor does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:4-8), it doesn’t crave the spotlight; it humbly serves and quietly provides sincere care.

    Remember, we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3), nor think ourselves above serving another (John 13:12-17). Take time to read and think on Jeremiah 9:23-24. Let’s flourish in knowing and understanding God so that we don’t set our minds on haughty things, but instead, associate with the humble in doing what is good! Are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!!

Sing and Make Melody - Is It For Me, Dear Saviour?

    As we continue with the "Sing and Make Melody in Your Heart" series, the song I have selected for this week asks us a question:

"Is It For Me, Dear Savior?"

(by Frances R. Havergal, 1871)

Is it for me, dear Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest,

For me, so weak and sinful? Oh, shall I be so blessed?

Chorus:

O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore,

And magnify and praise Thee and love Thee evermore?

Is it for me, Thy welcome, Thy gracious "Enter in."

For me They "Come, ye blessed", for me so full of sin?

(Chorus)

O Savior, precious Savior, My heart is at Thy feet;

I bless Thee, and I love Thee, And Thee I long to meet.

(Chorus)

I'll be with Thee forever, and never grieve Thee more;

Dear Savior, I must praise Thee, and love Thee evermore.

(Chorus)

    This song is written from the perspective of someone who is 'poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3). They recognize their need for a Saviour ("me, so weak and sinful") and with humble hearts they joyfully praise God for the gracious gift He freely gives ("...what can I but adore and magnify and praise Thee and love Thee evermore," consider Ephesians 2:1-13).

    God wants us to recognize our need for Him. He wants us to seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-27), and that takes humility on our part! God wants us to humbly submit to His will, acknowledging His love and care shown through His commands. God does not want us to see ourselves as worthless rags, constantly wondering if He hears our prayers or if we are worthy of His time and/or blessings. I have heard true humility defined as, "not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." Humility is not berating ourselves continually, it is thinking more of God and His goodness and giving Him all the glory for the blessings you receive!

    God wants us to joy in Him! He wants us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Does a plant that refuses to lift its head toward the sun grow and flourish as it should? Lift your face to God, trust in His love, trust in His forgiveness when you repent of your sins, trust in His ability to help you and "make all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).

    I especially like that third stanza of this song: 

"O Savior, precious Savior, My heart is at They feet;

I bless Thee, and I love Thee, And Thee I long to meet"

    What does it mean to "bless" God? We often think of blessed meaning "happy or joyfully content" - and it does mean that when Jesus teaches the beatitudes in Matthew 5, but in this case, when used toward God (ex: Ephesians 1:3), 'bless' means to "eulogize" - 'to speak beautiful words (about).'

    As Christians, we are to bless God. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Focus on the thought repeated in verses 6, 12, and 14: "to the praise and the glory of His grace" (v.6), "to the praise of His glory" (vv.12, 14). Also read and consider 1 Peter 2:9.

    We are to speak beautiful words about Him! We are to give Him praise, we are to give Him the glory! How can we do that if we consider ourselves worthless? How can we declare His greatness and the depths of His love, if we refuse to delve into them ourselves?

    So when you sing this song and you wonder, "Is it for me? Is the dear Saviour's glory and rest for me?" Let your mind and heart answer with a resounding "YES!!! It is for me!!" And let your heart pour out its praise and appreciation for God's love, mercy, and grace!! Let your mind and mouth fill with beautiful words to speak about God and declare His wonderful goodness! 

You can do it! So can I!!

Link to hymn: