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Luke

Luke 
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Day 11

Luke 1:8-25 "FEAR FELL UPON HIM..." Luke 1:12"

Day 11 – Luke 1

Text: Luke 1:8-25

“FEAR FELL UPON HIM…” Luke 1:12

The fear that gripped the heart of Zacharias when the angel Gabriel stood before him may be described as an “appropriate fear”. Throughout the Scriptures, this “fear” is noted when people come into contact with an angel. In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John recorded how he felt when he stood before an angel. His presence was so overpowering that he “fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed him these things” (the things he wrote in Revelation… Rev. 22:8).

This “fear” is both natural and wholesome. Angels are of a different order from men. They stand in the holy presence of God. They are powerful spiritual beings. It is only right that there should be that healthy “fear” and regard for angels. If their presence is awesome, how much more the Presence of the Lord Himself!

“DO NOT BE AFRAID…”(Luke 1:13) were the opening words of the angel Gabriel. Many are afraid of angelic visits, often because of the consciousness of personal sins in life.

However, the purpose of the angel Gabriel was not to create fear in the heart of Zacharias. Neither was this just a casual, friendly visit. The angel had an important message to deliver from God. His word was to create joy not fear in the heart.

“YOUR PRAYER IS HEARD…” Luke 1:13

What a wonderful word of encouragement that must have been when the angel uttered those words to Zacharias. One of the main ministries of priests was prayer! What encouragement there is to the heart when one is told, “your prayer is heard.” However, we do not need to have an angel announce this truth to us, before we can find encouragement to the heart.

We are assured again and again in the Scriptures that God does indeed hear and answer prayers. Do you know of any special portions of Scriptures that speak of God answering prayers? What are your favourites? Actually there are many precious promises that we would do well to hide in our hearts. Hiding the Lord’s Word in the heart can bring such strength and joy to the heart.

“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). Indeed there should be special joy whenever God hears and answers our prayer. It was the Lord Jesus who promised that His disciples might find special joy in the things He taught them. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Let’s take a look at a precious promise that should deepen our sense of joy in the Lord. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father; And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it” (John 14:12-14)!

WHAT A STIRRING MESSAGE!

Any godly parent would jump for joy if these words were said of their children. “He will be great in the sight of the Lord…” (Luke 1:15). All parents desire their children to be “great”. They want them to excel in their studies especially. They want them to succeed in life. They want them to become “professionals” or successful business people.

The Angel Gabriel’s perspective was quite different. He saw things from God’s standpoint. He spoke of “greatness” in the sight of the Lord. The spiritual and eternal value of the worth of John the Baptizer was far more important than the physical side of things.

John’s life, as we know would be a very short one. His ministry was of course also very brief. He would never enjoy the fullness of life. He would not have a long life also. He would die a horrible death. We read in the Scriptures that John’s life and ministry ended abruptly when he was jailed and then executed in the prime of his life.

Can we still call that a great life? Yes, if one sees things from God’s standpoint. It is not the length of life that matters, it is the quality of life that counts! John’s life and ministry were already determined by God. He would be the forerunner for the Messiah, the Anointed One. His ministry would bless and touch many, many lives! In God’s sight such a life would be considered “great”!

WHAT IS OUR PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE?

Do we have a Biblical perspective of life? Do we find joy in having prayers answered? Do we appreciate God’s view of things?

Let us be challenged to cultivate a Biblical worldview of life. Let’s try and see things from the standpoint of God! We will find greater joy and meaning when we do so.