Luke's Walk with God: "Book One"

By Lonny E. Young

"Luke's Walk With God" is an effort to take a "devotional" walk with Jesus and His ministry. A verse by verse walk, through the notes and writings of Luke, walking along with Jesus and trying to experience our Lord's teachings through His many parables, watching His miracles, and trying to learning from His daily experiences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Feb 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953616814

Lonny E. Young

He was saved at age thirty-five. Not long after his salvation he fell in love with God’s Word. He spent the next forty years in the Sunday School Ministry. As a teacher, a director and even a pastor for two and a half years he encouraged teachers and others to get into the Bible. In his second book, we take an in depth look at King David’s life, and his walk with God. It is his prayer that this journey will enhance your walk with God.

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Luke’s Walk With GOD - Book One

Copyright © 2021 by Lonny E. Young

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 978-1-953616-80-7

ISBN eBook: 978-1-953616-81-4

This book is written to provide information and motivation to readers. Its purpose is not to render any type of psychological, legal, or professional advice of any kind. The content is the sole opinion and expression of the author, and not necessarily that of the publisher.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

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Interior design by Renalie Malinao

Contents

Foreword

Luke 1

Luke 2

Luke 3

Luke 4

Luke 5

Luke 6

Luke 7

Luke 8

Luke 9

Luke 10

Luke 11

Luke 12

Luke 13

Luke 14

Luke 15

Luke 16

Luke 17

Luke 18

Luke 19

Luke 20

Luke 21

Luke 22

Luke 23

Luke 24

He said to them, "But who do you say that

I am? Peter answered and said, The Christ of God".

Luke 9:20

Foreword 

Ihave heard it said that the books of Luke and Acts contain more volume than all the books of Paul combined. When you consider the first two chapters of Luke, you can see how that might be true.

I hope you will join me in an intimate walk through these two books authored by Dr. Luke. When I discovered that the same author wrote the gospel and the history of the first century church I was excited! The connection between the two was important to me.

Can you imagine what it might have been like, to walk with Jesus for those three and a half years of His public ministry? The nights by the camp fire listening to God in the flesh (John 1:14) speak about the things of God. Like a song writer once said, I can only imagine.

God began, early on, establishing three key priorities in the Old Testament that we will see come to pass throughout the New Testament. Let’s look:

1.SALVATION. Do you remember when Moses led the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and he brought them to the Red Sea?

God went to great lengths to free His people from Egypt. He used Moses to perform ten plagues on the nation to persuade Pharaoh to release His people. In the final plague God instituted the concept of the Passover.

"For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses and strike you. (Exodus 12:23) (NKJV)

Look at Moses’ words as they were confronted with the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptian army on the other:

And Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see no more forever. (Exodus 14:13) (NKJV)

God brought them out of bondage into freedom. It was all His doing. God used Moses to bring the message of salvation to Israel.

2.THE WORD OF GOD. Just think about this a minute. Prior to Mt. Sinai, when Moses went up and received the Ten Commandments there was no written message from God. Everything was by the mouth of Moses. Even earlier God communicated to His servants through visions or dreams. There was nothing in writing.

At Mt. Sinai God gave Moses specific instructions. Not just the Ten Commandments. Throughout the books of Exodus and Leviticus God told Moses to write these laws down for the people to learn and follow. These first written words (the two tablets) were then encased in the Ark of the Covenant to be preserved, read, and followed.

Through the centuries God has preserved His written word to the point that we hold in our hands today the written Word of God.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (NKJV)

God began to require man to write down the things important, that God wished us to know. I think we miss the significance of what we hold in our hands today!

3.CHURCH. Church? Church is the place, today, where we gather to worship God and be instructed in the things of God. Such was the Tabernacle that God instructed Moses and Israel to build at Mt. Sinai. God’s people must gather regularly to worship, support one another, and be instructed in the things of God. Following the giving of the Ten Commandments this was the next priority of God. Build a place of worship.

Of course, in the Old Testament it was also a place of sacrifice. After Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary there was no more need of a sacrifice. Just curious. Do you know the first act of offering a sacrifice in the Old Testament? When was it first instituted?

Abel also brought of the first-born of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering. (Genesis 4:4) (NKJV)

Even in Genesis we see the significance of the blood sacrifice.

Back to the church:

He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God. (Luke 9:20) (NKJV)

We, sometimes, overlook the second purpose of Christ’s visit to mankind. Of course, He paid for our sins on the cross so that we might have access to the presence of Holy God. But, secondly, He came to establish His church. Why? This is the method that God has chosen to send His message of salvation (through the cross) to the whole world.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) (NKJV)

Salvation, the Word of God and the church. God’s top three priorities demonstrated way back in Exodus at the base of Mt. Sinai. What about your priorities?

Walk with me, as we try to imagine walking with Dr, Luke through the life of our Lord Jesus and later with the Apostle Paul as he travels throughout Asia establishing God’s churches. I pray God will stir some imaginations of your own. Maybe think about your walk with God. How has God touched your life? Has He made a difference in your life? I hope this journey will both inspire and examine this path we have chosen to walk. Is God in it, or not?

In my first book, THE PATH, I dedicated it to my family: Mary, and our daughters Tammy and Shannon. In my second book, DAVID’S WALK WITH GOD, I dedicated it to the men who passed through my life and influenced my Christian walk. In my third book, A YEAR IN PROVERBS, I recognized the women who supported and encouraged me in my Christian walk. In this last book, I wish to acknowledge my parents,

Earl and Lona Young and my grandmother Opal Burrell.

My parents taught me early on to reverence God. They were not church goers. The only time I went to church was when our grandmother took us on Easter. I believe God watched over me through those early years until I finally responded to His message of salvation when I was thirty-five.

It is my prayer that these words will speak to your heart. Draw you to a closer and more intimate walk with our Heavenly Father. May God bless you today and always!

All Scripture is King James version unless otherwise noted.

Luke 1 

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Have you ever been sitting around with a group of people and someone says something and it brings to your mind a story, in your past, that you want to share with the others? Once, I started sharing with our grandchildren events when I was growing up. That encouraged me, and I sat down and started writing what I could remember. Over three-hundred pages later I had written my memories of growing up.

That is what Dr. Luke has done. The book of Luke was written in A.D. 60. This being over thirty years after Christ ascended into heaven. Luke gathered stories from Mary, the disciples, and others and complied a first-hand account of the life of Jesus. Much like I mentioned earlier. Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul through the book of Acts.

Jesus had already ascended to heaven when Paul was called by Jesus to the Gospel ministry. Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. After Paul’s conversion, he visited with Peter and others to understand what it was he was to preach. Paul had the basics of the Old Testament Law, being a Pharisee, he had to learn the connection.

Do you keep a journal, a diary? Let me implore you to begin now. Write down those memories when they pass through your mind. The little you write now can spur a more in depth writing later. Just jot them down. If we don’t record the lessons and experiences of our past they will be lost forever. Get a notebook. Have a quiet time and jot down these thoughts. Many years later you will be SO glad you did. Your children and grandchildren will be glad you did.

Both of my parents have passed. I would love to have an hour with them to ask so many questions about my past. Where they grew up, etc. My grandfather raised six children in a railroad boxcar along the Mississippi River. I wish I could learn more about their experience. I just have vague thoughts of our visits growing up. Write those memories down!

Luke wants to share with a friend of his what he knows and discovered about Jesus. That is another great reason to keep a journal. Is God working in your life? What prayers has He answered? Has God blessed you? Write them down. You never know what impact those blessings might have on the next generation. You might start with writing down your conversion story. How Jesus came into your life. In a sense, that is what Dr. Luke is sharing with his friend Theophilus.

Let’s take this journey with Dr. Luke and imagine we are part of the throngs that followed Jesus everywhere. We get to hear His teachings, observe His miracles, be a part of His brief ministry. We will travel through this gospel and through the book of Acts. Let’s see what we can glean and incorporate into our lives. The message of God’s love and how God wants to be a part of our daily lives. As we walk with Luke let’s imagine we are walking with our Lord and soaking in this opportunity to fellowship with our Creator!

One of the ice-breakers used by the leader of our New Members luncheon fits what I am talking about. when you arrive, you are given a piece of paper and asked to write something unusual or memorable about your life. These comments are then read later and those attending try to guess who experienced the event.

I was fascinated by the stories. Not necessarily the individual but the unique experiences they shared when they revealed who they were. Fascinating stuff. Stuff that should be written down. You never know when or if these experiences will come to our thoughts again.

In the days of Luke story-telling was important. Today we have so many other distractions that we rarely take a moment and reflect on the events in our life. We are missing the history we experienced and need to pass these on to the next generation. Just as those Luke interviewed in order to compile his gospel account. Don’t let these memories pass on into eternity with us when we pass.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (Luke 1:5-6)

I would be curious where Luke obtained the facts he relates here. Relatives of Zacharias, maybe Elizabeth’s family. This is over sixty years after the event.

Something we might want to consider about Dr. Luke. His profession is one of details. As a physician, he must observe many details to come to a diagnosis. We will see this as we walk through these chapters.

In the gospel of Matthew, the writer begins with Jesus’ genealogy going back to Abraham. As we will see with Luke he traces the genealogy back to Adam. Matthew was written to a Jewish audience and Luke to a Greek or Gentile audience. Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist. While John begins at the very beginning.

When I began my journal of memories I had my baby book that my mother kept when I was born. I had some facts available to add to my commentary. How far back can you remember? Take a minute, meditate, think back as far as you can. What do you remember? Write it down. Begin recording these memories, they will come in handy later.

Luke decides to go back to the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.

Luke describes the organization of the Temple administration. This is the same Temple that Solomon built in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings. This Temple is later destroyed in 70 A.D.

Did you notice how he describes Zacharias and Elizabeth? Blameless before God. God can only use clean vessels. Do you want to be used of God? You first must get right with God! Interesting thought. God can use anyone or anything to accomplish His purpose. You want to be on the blameless side.

Here’s a verse from the Old Testament:

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:1) (NKJV)

I quoted this passage for one reason. Because we might walk blameless before God doesn’t mean we will not have problems. We will still have storms, trials, whatever you want to call them. It would be great to have this blameless status before God, it is a protection against this world’s events. Think about what happened to Job.

Luke is giving us a description of the relationship Zacharias and Elizabeth had with God.

If you must to start somewhere, let’s begin with the parents of John the Baptist. Luke is laying the groundwork to begin his story of the miraculous birth of John. Part of that attention to detail. Just like the details of his position in the Temple.

Don’t miss the fact that there is a connection with Zacharias and Aaron. Elizabeth being a descendant. Only those connected with Aaron and the tribe of Levi could have access to the inside of the Temple. Luke is giving Zacharias pedigree if you will, his resume that allows him access to the Temple.

I like the way Luke is going back to the very beginning. Even here God works a miracle in this couple’s life. Did you ever notice that John’s birth was a miracle? Let’s look.

And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course. According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. (Luke 1:7-10)

I guess Zacharias missed the Sunday this lesson was taught in Sunday school. Here are a couple of passages from the Old Testament:

But Sarai was barren; she had no child. (Genesis 11:30) (NKJV)

In Genesis 29 and 30 is told the story of Jacob and his four wives and the fighting among the women about who was to have children, who was barren, etc. Children are a gift from God. Do you remember the story of Hannah?

And her rival also provoked her severely to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:6) (NKJV)

Don’t forget what God said to the prophet Jeremiah:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5) (NKJV)

One more verse if I may:

For You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:13-14) (NKJV)

All through God’s Word it is abundantly clear. It is God who creates life. I think the problem I have is that the women think they are cursed somehow because they have no children. Have you asked God? Have you sought His wisdom and guidance? Children are a blessing from God. Because you do not have any does NOT mean you are not blessed, God has other plans to bless you.

Did you notice that both Zacharias and Elizabeth are advanced in years, much like Sarai and Abram? God can do His will regardless of the circumstances. When we put away logic and chemistry and trust God and His purpose for our lives there is no telling what God can accomplish, if we trust Him.

I wonder if Zacharias ever came to God and said, Lord I have served you as a priest these many years. Do I not deserve to have a child? Have you ever done that? You quote God your resume in hopes of proving you deserve a blessing. That is dangerous ground. There is no list in the Bible of what counts" and what doesn’t.

Let me encourage you to read this story about David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12. One of my favorite stories about David. Not the episode with Bathsheba but how God and David dealt with the sin. God is always in control. Life and death are in His hands. When we think we determine such things we run the risk of denying God’s sovereignty. Pray and ask God.

Do you see the contrast to today? "The whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense." Today God’s people enter the presence of God on a Wednesday night. We bring our petitions to God, we humbly pray and seek God’s blessing and healing and guidance and direction. We are no longer on the outside, we can come into God’s very presence in prayer and worship! We need not a priest. Jesus is our High Priest:

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16) (NKJV)

Is that not a picture of Wednesday night prayer service?

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Luke 1:11-13)

What would you do? You are having your quiet time in your prayer closet. Suddenly this angel appears next to you and says, Peace to you. Really? Next this angel tells you, who are well past child bearing years, that you are going to have a son.

Don’t miss what the angel said, For your prayer is heard. Think about that. They both know they are beyond having a baby. YET, they are still praying for a child. Is that faith?

Have you quit praying for something because it was not logical?

This has always been a pet-peeve of mine. People tent to put God in a box. If we can’t conceive of the answer to our prayer, why pray? We have determined that it is too hard for God. The same God who spoke the universe into existence, really?

Why do you suppose Zacharias was troubled? You know the history behind this temple. One, the robe that the priest wore contained bells on the fringe. If those on the outside didn’t hear the bells they would think the priest was dead. Second, the priest had a rope tied around his ankle so if he did die those on the outside could pull him out. I can see why Zacharias was scared.

How do you approach God today? Are you mad, at God? Do you blame Him for something that happened in your life that hurt you? It is easy to blame God, isn’t it? How about an unanswered prayer? God disappointed you so you no longer believe. That sounds like the old story about Santa Claus. He didn’t bring you what you wanted so you no longer believe, really?

How about this approach. You can’t wait to go to church on Sunday and be around God’s people and hear what God has for you through the preaching of the pastor. You can’t wait to get to your Sunday school class and learn something new about what the Bible says and how it applies to your life. Do you see the difference?

Zacharias had no idea what lay in store for him that day he went into the temple. God had a blessing in store for him. Such is the way God works today. We never know when God will show Himself present in our lives. My challenge to you is to be looking for God’s hand in the events of your daily life. He is always working to draw you closer to Him. The problem is that our eyes are so fixed on the things of this world and we miss God’s working all around us. We miss so much because we have taken a separate path than God. Where is God in your life?

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:14-16)

These restrictions are outlined in Leviticus 10. Samson was also under these restrictions. As a priest Zacharias knew of the Old Testament laws. John would be brought up with these restrictions.

Joy and gladness are not the emotions Zacharias is feeling right now. Joy and gladness were not the emotions I felt when I discovered that God had called me to the ministry. I can relate to the fear that Zacharias is experiencing.

The angel is telling Zacharias about a child who is yet to be born. The angel even tells Zacharias what his name will be. I remember someone commenting in our Sunday school class, as we were studying in the Old Testament, Why can’t they have normal names, like John or David? Of course, David is a more common name, that appears in the Old Testament, a rare exception.

I was trying to think about who or how many names God issued prior to the birth of a child. We know He changed some names, Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel. In the New Testament Saul changed his name from Saul to Paul, whether that was the Lord’s leading it doesn’t say.

I like the change in my name that God gave me when I was saved, child of God, (Romans 8:15). In fact, in in 2 Corinthians God changes our life:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) (NKJV)

John was born with a mission from God. John, will be the forerunner, the herald that proclaims the coming Messiah. Did you know that you are born with a mission? God created you for a purpose, a reason. The interesting thing is that we have the option to follow that plan or not. Many people spend their whole life trying to find their purpose in life, instead of asking God. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Now you would think if an angel appears to you in this Holy of Holies and tells you about a child your wife is going to provide that you would be so excited, overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Not Zacharias.

It said that Zacharias and his wife have been praying for a child. They are passed child-bearing years. How long have they been praying, years? Then their prayer is answered. How long have you been praying for or about something? Do you think God has ignored you, not heard you, or said no? God answers praying in His time in His way. Keep praying and trusting.

Here is one of my favorites, and it is my wife’s life verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) (NKJV)

This is interesting. I don’t know how many times I have said, Lord, I just don’t understand why this is happening. As soon as I say that word understand this verse comes to mind. "lean not on your own understanding." Do you know how frustrating that is? Here I am trying to make a point to God and His word comes right back, trust Me! Zacharias is about to learn this.

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. (Luke 1:17-18)

Okay, here is our first lesson on our journey with Dr. Luke.

It has always amazed me at the number of people who show up on Wednesday night Prayer Meetings. To go through the effort of dressing up, getting in their cars and driving to church, to pray! Someone once said, "The popularity of the preacher is shown in the Sunday morning worship. The popularity of the church is demonstrated in the attendance at the evening worship service. But, the popularity of GOD is demonstrated by those who attend Wednesday Night Prayer service. You judge.

I touched on this earlier. We noted that Zacharias and his wife, I assume, have been praying for a child for some time. How long have you been praying for something? Maybe the salvation of a loved one? Some financial difficulties that won’t go away? A need you think you can’t live without? Many other different things that we bring to God’s throne. Do you ever try to tell God how He might answer these prayers? Look at this verse:

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:27) (NKJV)

Let me offer an idea. When you bring these petitions to God. Leave them in His hands. Don’t offer suggestions, just give them to God. Then, watch. A journal will be very helpful, you will need to review this later when your faith seems shaky. Now, watch how God accomplishes your prayer request. It may NOT be in the manner in which you might dream. Wow! Dream brings another passage to mind:

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20) (NKJV)

Mark this passage down. Joseph, at age seventeen (Genesis 37:2) was sold into slavery by his brothers. Thinking they would never see him again. Thirteen years later (Genesis 41:46) Joseph is in a position, as the second in command of Egypt, to save Jacob’s family from starving to death. God is never in a hurry to accomplish His will. It is we who are so impatient. God had to get this seventeen-year-old shepherd from his father’s fields to the court of Egypt. God’s way in God’s time.

Look at these verses in Galatians:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5) (NKJV)

In God’s time, in God’s way, for God’s glory. That phrase has been haunting me for weeks. I have been praying for something, and God is in no hurry to answer me. I simply repeat these three truths! One last thing. When it is done this way, who gets the glory? God of course!

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stands in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. (Luke 1:19-20)

I am sure you have heard the debate. Why would God punish Zacharias for doubting the angel while Mary is supposed to have done the same thing. The difference is would versus could. Zacharias questioned the ability of God to give his wife a child, even though they had been praying about it for years. In Mary’s case, she felt unworthy of such an honor. Has Mary been praying for years to have a child out of wedlock? Zacharias questioned God’s ability while Mary questioned her worthiness. Big difference.

Gabriel is the same angel who approached Mary later. Gabriel, one of two archangels mentioned in the Bible, Michael being the second. Gabriel being the messenger angel. Do you think God was caught by surprise when Zacharias questioned the angel’s message? Not likely.

The question for us is, where do we fit in this example. I touched on this earlier. How is your prayer life? Better still, how is your faith? Here is one of my favorite verses on faith. I have it written on the bookmark I keep in my Bible as a reminder.

And He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." (Matthew 9:29) (NKJV)

Little faith, great faith, no faith. All measurements Jesus uses about His disciples and those He heals and ministers to. So, how important is faith?

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) (NKJV)

One more if you will:

And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed. (John 20:28-29) (NKJV)

Zacharias is a priest. He has served in the temple ceremonies. He knows Israel’s history. Yet, when told what God was going to do for his wife what He did for Sarai and Hannah, he didn’t believe. He must have missed that lesson in Sunday school.

Do you have a history with God? Has God answered any prayers? Do you pray. I can think of no greater example of faith than the practice of prayer. That is why I am excited to see so many on Wednesday night. Making a special effort to travel to God’s house to pray as a body of believers. That is faith!

Do you remember the last prayer God answered? You need to keep a prayer journal. The prayer request (specifically), when it was put on your list, and most important, when and how it was answered. God may have said, No or Wait. You would be surprised how this little notebook can strengthen your faith. You will quickly become a prayer warrior.

How would you measure your faith? Do you realize that it only takes the faith of a grain of mustard seed to guarantee an eternity in the presence of God? Faith in Jesus Christ! (Romans 10:9), read it, ask Jesus into your heart. Just a grain of mustard seed!

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. (Luke 1:21-23)

There is a powerful scene in a movie with Jackie Gleason, Gigo. Gleason is a mute. He befriends this little girl and her mother. One day he is walking with the little girl and she runs into a cathedral. Soon she is asking Gigo what the Crucifix means, who is on the cross, etc. He is mute and cannot explain to her. He gets so frustrated he beats his mouth with his fist, because he cannot tell her about Jesus. I just break into tears every time I see this scene. As a Christian that should be our attitude about telling others about the One who died on the cross for our sins.

We would simply reach for a notepad and pen. There were no such utensils in those days. He could gesture, much like Gigo, but she did not understand. Isn’t it frustrating to know something that you cannot share?

I have struggled with this paradox myself. As a Christian, we are on this side of God’s grace. One of the hardest things is to try to describe to a lost person what it is like on this side. Much like Gigo to the little girl who asked so many questions. Could you explain to someone who doesn’t know the Bible, or God, what it means to be saved? Of course, they must recognize that they are lost first, that is key. If someone doesn’t think they are sick they have no need of a physician.

Interesting thing here about Zacharias. This wasn’t a short term problem. He was to remain like this for about nine months. Nine months of knowing what happened in the temple and not being able to tell anyone. No problem today. Just get on Facebook and all your friends know immediately.

Don’t you know the people were getting nervous. He is just supposed to go in, make the blood offering, and come out. He has done this several times before, no big deal. Has God ever dealt with you about something? It is a BIG deal! How about something you have been praying for, for years? One day God answers that prayer in an awesome way. You can’t wait to tell others, can you?

How about your salvation? Do you want to keep that private? Why? Don’t miss what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans:

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

I asked Jesus into my heart at our kitchen table in my home. Then I was told I needed to come forward in the church and proclaim the confession I had made. I was scared to death. I was major shy, I could not imagine walking up in front of all the people. I had a plan. I would set on the aisle, three rows back from the front. When the invitation was given I would reach forward as fast as I could and grab the pastor’s hand. Once I got there I was okay. Our salvation must be confessed before others. Look at this verse in Matthew:

Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32) (NKJV)

And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. (Luke 1:24-25)

Isn’t it interesting how the culture has changed? My wife, Mary came from a family of eight children. She was the youngest of six boys and two girls. I came from a family of eight children. I was the oldest of six boys and two girls. Yet, we have been married for over fifty years. That means a LOT of birthday cards. Today if a family has over three children they are considered abnormal. That’s a shame.

Children are now a luxury instead of a gift from God. All through the Bible you can see the desire for women to bear children. Read the story of Jacob in Genesis 29 and 30. Don’t miss this theme through the Bible as well, children are conceived ONLY by the will and grace of God. Every child conceived is by the will of God for a specific purpose and plan from God. Take a minute and meditate on Jeremiah 29:11-13. God has a plan for your life as well!

This story reminds me so much of Hannah in the Old Testament. First chapter of 1 Samuel. Hannah was the mother of Samuel the Prophet. She was barren for a long time. She prayed and God provided her a son, whom she dedicated to God.

Look at this verse in Genesis 25:

Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. (Genesis 25:21) (NKJV)

We know about the conflict Abraham had with Sarah and Hagar. Then I referenced Jacobs problems. I think the point I want to make is that children are a gift from God. Today we have birth-control pills, abortions, rapes, etc. All changing our view of children and conceiving a child. All through the Bible child birth is in the hands of God. Make no mistake about it!

Elizabeth, I guess, was so embarrassed that she would have a child at such an old age. It doesn’t say her age but that she was advanced in years (v. 7).

Our church has been extremely blessed with an over-flowing nursery. Many times, when a child cries out in the service, our pastor will remark, Doesn’t that sound great? We are blessed. But, there is another side of this blessing.

There are a few, I know one in our family, who is not able to have children. She is in my prayers every day. It seems cruel to say children are a gift from God and for them not to enjoy that gift. God also has a perfect plan. His time, His plan, His glory. God never does anything without a specific plan and purpose. He will never hurt his children. We simply must trust His wisdom and purpose.

The Bible uses the same technique that television and movies use. We will leave this scene with Zacharias and Elizabeth and proceed to Mary’s experience. We will come back later to finish this picture. I wonder how many people know that Mary and Elizabeth are cousins? That makes John and Jesus related. Though Jesus had a different Father, it is more than the bloodline.

Before we pick up the story of Mary let’s think a little more about Zacharias. Zacharias was a priest. He served in the temple and made the offering of sacrifice at the Holy of Holies. Does that give him a special relationship with God? No! He is as any other man. We see this in Elizabeth’s not being able to have children. We must be careful that we don’t put people of God on a pedestal. I think I saw a t-shirt once that said, I’m not perfect, just forgiven. That is our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:26-28)

I noticed something interesting about the two greetings by the angel Gabriel. Here is how he greeted Zacharias:

But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (Luke 1:13) (NKJV)

Now look at how Gabriel greets Mary:

And having come in, the angel said to her, Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. (Luke 1:28) (NKJV)

We like to talk a lot about the response of Zacharias versus Mary’s response. Notice the contrast in the how Gabriel approaches the two.

I have written in the back of my Bible, a verse from a song I heard once from an album. I don’t remember the artist or even the title of the song. It goes like this:

One day Jesus will call my name,

As days go by I hope I don’t stay the same.

I want to get so close to Him there is no big change,

On the day that Jesus call’s my name.

That is Mary! Do you think God simply pulled Mary’s name out of a hat? God had been watching Mary throughout her life. How much effort do you suppose God put into choosing the mother of His Son? Come on! When the angel said, Highly favored he meant just that.

I think Mary was chosen because of her relationship with God. When you are walking with God He will use you in ways you would never dream!

As a child, I would stay home from school when I had to stand before the class. Whether a book report or for any other reason. I shared before how I was scared to death to come forward in church to profess my asking Jesus into my heart. Imagine my shock! when God called me to the ministry. Seriously!

I was pastor for two and a half years in Freeman, Missouri. The most wonderful experience in whole life. Then I took my eyes off God, and lost it all. I will always remember that time. I was walking with God then and He blessed me!

How is your relationship with God? Do you talk to Him daily? Do you spend substantial time in His Word? Are you obedient to His leading through His Holy Spirit? Do you attend church regularly? All tough questions. Time to go over this check-list.

A relationship means you have asked Jesus into your heart and you are a child of God (Romans 8:15). The fellowship is the key. So many Christians I know who have become children of God but have no fellowship with God in any form or fashion. You can’t expect God to accomplish anything in your life if you are not on the same path as God. (Psalm 16:11).

Mary was walking with God when the angel Gabriel showed up!

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. (Luke 1:29-31)

I think Mary missed this lesson in Sunday school.

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) (NKJV)

When you think about the culture in those days. Granted the words were available in the scrolls in the temple. Who had access to them? The priests. In Jesus day, the Scribes and Pharisees. Mary had no idea what God’s plan was, only that she had been chosen to bring the Messiah into the world.

Don’t miss this salutation. This is the second time the angel referred to her as favored. Mary was walking with God. Mary knew God.

Just stop a minute and think about what might be going through her mind. It is hard today, knowing what we know. Having the Word of God at our fingertips. Yet, most know as much as Mary did at that time.

Do you think she started to go through the list of ramifications for this act? Not hardly. There is no mention of any doubts.

Maybe it would be like that first encounter we would have with Jesus when we arrive in heaven. What might be your response? Hey, Jesus, glad to see you, I finally made it. Seriously? We