DECEMBER 7 UNDER SEALED ORDERS
By Ray Pritchard President, Keep Believing Ministries
No; he shall be called John. (Luke 1:60)
The name given to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s child surprised their friends. No one in their family was named John. Everyone assumed this miracle baby would take his father’s name. In our day, we would say Zechariah Senior and Zechariah Junior. His name would be John, which means, “The Lord has been gracious.” It was a fitting name because God had indeed been gracious to this elderly couple. But it meant more than that. God was about to pour out His grace on the world in the birth of His Son. And their son—this baby named John—would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. He was set apart for God before his birth. Everything about his career would say, “This man stands apart. He’s not like the rest of us.” Many years later, he would preach and call the nation to repentance. He would have upon him the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Faith stands on God’s Word even when others don’t understand. In this case, the neighbors meant well, but their advice would lead in the wrong direction.
Elizabeth affirmed God’s choice. Zechariah wrote it on a tablet. Suddenly, he could speak again.
Fear came on everyone who heard him speak, for they knew God had taken his voice away and had suddenly given it back. No wonder they asked, “What then will this child be?” Even the neighbors could see God’s hand was on his life.
When we dare to trust God, others may not understand. Venturing in faith means traveling under sealed orders, obeying now and understanding later.
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear You. Open my heart to follow wherever You lead. Amen.
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