Morning Moments

As we continue to look at the events surrounding the Christmas Story, which we are not necessarily doing Chronologically, I am particularly impressed with the experience of Zechariah.  Personally, I have always been leery of those who are always wanting to "set out a fleece," or "look for a sign" of some kind.  It is often a case of the lack of faith, rather than "faith" that God is going to "confirm" before doing something He has said He would do.  Such was the case with Zechariah!

His wife was barren, which in the minds of others, was somewhat of a curse for a Jewish woman.  But God's ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts.  He had a plan for a miracle for this elderly couple, and in short revealed it to Zechariah first and then to his wife.  She never asked for a sign, Zechariah did, and for him it was a sign alright, but a sign for his unbelief.  God caused him to be mute WHILE he was in the temple SERVING God, so that when he exited the temple, he could not even speak the appropriate benediction to the waiting congregation.  All he could do was try to make signs to them with his hands that he could not speak.  It was not until the eighth day of the child's birth, which was the day of circumcision (the day a male child was named) that he could speak to affirm that the child's name was to be John.

You might imagine how awed the crowd must have been when after this period of silence from the priest, he was suddenly able to speak, and to add to that not to use a family name, but to choose the name, John.  But he and she were being obedient for that was the name God has given.

The point here to me is that when God prompts you to do something, just do it, that's all, plain and simple.  We are so afraid we are going to be wrong!  If what we are prompted to do is NOT inconsistent with His Word, just do it!  It is the heart God is concerned with, and He is able to clear up any mistake of the head as long as the heart is right.  I remember once on a flight there was a group of Christian teens going on a missions trip.  A couple was sitting close to the group that I assumed was with the group, so I leaned over to the gentleman and asked, "Does anybody here love Jesus?"  I was expecting of course an affirmative answer, but the guy said, "Just keep walking."  I simply explained that I thought they were with the group and apologized and took my seat.  As I prayed about it, The Lord seemed to say to me, "You have politely spoken My Name to them, now I will do the rest."  I am content with that!

I certainly am not ashamed of Jesus, nor my faith in Him, but I do not believe He wants ME to be obnoxious, rude, or inconsiderate about it, so when I feel prompted I share.  If it received, I praise The Lord.  if it is nit received, I praise The Lord and pray for those with whom I have shared.  It is consistent with the revelation of God that I sow the seed, or water seed previously sown, but it is up to Him to bring the increase and the harvest.  I do not have to look for signs.  Neither do you!