Fri.’s Devo - Gabriel’s Prophecy

Read Luke 1:5b-20 There was a priest whose name was Zacharias and whose wife was Elisabeth. His name means “remembered of Jehovah” and her name means “God of the oath”. God is going to make a promise to them that he will perform. They had no children and God was going to give them a child that would usher in the Messiah. They had faithfully served the Lord, even though they were now old and had never saw the blessing of children. God saw their hearts and chose them to raise Jesus’ forerunner. John was chosen by lot to go into the Holy of Holies with the incense this year. While the people were praying outside, he approached the incense altar and was met by an angel which scared him (obviously) and he fell to the ground. The angel spoke to Zacharias and told him not to fear but his wife would have a baby to be named John. His birth would bring joy and happiness to many and be great in the Lord. He was not to drink any wine or strong drink and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit in Elisabeth’s womb. He would be instrumental in turning many of Israel’s children back to the Lord. He would have the same anointing that Elijah had and his ministry would be to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, the disobedient to wisdom, and to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming. John questioned the angel about his prophecy because he and his wife were so old. Then the angel pulled out his rank. He was Gabriel who stands before God’s throne and was sent by God. Since John questioned the angel’s word he would be dumb and unable to speak until what he said happened. (In case you are visited by an angel who tells you anything - the only response is “Whatever you say, I believe”. It will save you a lot of humiliation. :) Lord, let this remind us that you have sent a generation, of which we are a part of, to be forerunners of your coming. May we be those who turn the hearts of fathers back to their children. May the wisdom you give us bring obedience in others and may our hearts be prepared to receive you.