Cursed
Luke 1
Its strange how people can be both Godly and cursed. Luke starts his gospel with this juxtaposition. The priest Zachariah was married and both he and his wife were godly people. Luke says, "they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God." Yet, despite their godly living, Elizabeth was barren, unable to have children. Barrenness was seen by many people to be a curse from God (v25). Others would have looked at Elizabeth and thought specifically that she had done something against God to deserve this; she was being punished.
But this supposed curse is lifted when an angel appears. Zachariah and Elizabeth go from a potential curse from God to being incredibly blessed. Zachariah hears from an angel when serving in the temple that he will be blessed with a baby boy. This boy will be filled with God's spirit. He will turn people back to God. He will announce God's arrival like the ancient prophet Elijah and soften people's hearts towards one another. Lastly, he will help even the skeptics understand God. This child, who will be named John, will prepare people for God's presence among them.
What an incredible responsibility, but what an amazing role he will have in the history of humanity. It is John that prepared the people for Jesus. Who are you preparing to receive Jesus? How are you softening hearts for people? It wasn't just John that was called to prepare the people for Jesus; it's everyone's job. Make straight the paths, even if you feel like you are cursed. When we prepare the way God is able to transform a curse into a blessing.
Its strange how people can be both Godly and cursed. Luke starts his gospel with this juxtaposition. The priest Zachariah was married and both he and his wife were godly people. Luke says, "they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God." Yet, despite their godly living, Elizabeth was barren, unable to have children. Barrenness was seen by many people to be a curse from God (v25). Others would have looked at Elizabeth and thought specifically that she had done something against God to deserve this; she was being punished.
But this supposed curse is lifted when an angel appears. Zachariah and Elizabeth go from a potential curse from God to being incredibly blessed. Zachariah hears from an angel when serving in the temple that he will be blessed with a baby boy. This boy will be filled with God's spirit. He will turn people back to God. He will announce God's arrival like the ancient prophet Elijah and soften people's hearts towards one another. Lastly, he will help even the skeptics understand God. This child, who will be named John, will prepare people for God's presence among them.
What an incredible responsibility, but what an amazing role he will have in the history of humanity. It is John that prepared the people for Jesus. Who are you preparing to receive Jesus? How are you softening hearts for people? It wasn't just John that was called to prepare the people for Jesus; it's everyone's job. Make straight the paths, even if you feel like you are cursed. When we prepare the way God is able to transform a curse into a blessing.