June 8th

June 8th -- Luke 1:57-80 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:57-80&version=NLT)

Go on over and give it a read!

Two things (in order of the passage):

1) Though God punishes us for doubt and He us for obedience. Zechariah was made mute (and possibly also deaf - that seems translation-based) because he doubted what the angel said about his wife becoming pregnant and bearing a child. They were both too old, realistically. Yet, sure enough, Elizabeth has a child. Back then it was normal to name your child after someone in your family - a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc. But this time, Elizabeth said he would be John. People argued and said to ask Zechariah. He of course, as the angel had told him, said to call him John. That was obedience. Despite the doubt of the child happening, there was obedience in naming him as told to. The moment of this obedience, the punishment for the doubt was removed. God blesses us for obedience.

2) The moment that Zechariah could speak again he prophesied about Jesus' coming. I just adore prophecies in the Bible. I think they're the coolest (yes, I've said this in like 3 posts before this one - it's still true). What better way to show how involved and caring our God is than for Him to prove to us that He has a plan and He's so certain of it He'll even tell some of it to us. He wasn't just keeping secrets and playing us like pawns - He never has and never will do that - but instead was treating us as friends and letting us in on the plan a bit. Also, He was giving us reason to rejoice for the coming of a savior. Those of nowadays can instead rejoice for the return of the savior.

Well that will be all! God bless! Shalom!