I had a plan that began in Jr. High. When I would play the category game, “MASH”, I listed “Memphis” as one of the places I wanted to live, “John Schneider” (aka Bo Duke) as a man I might marry, and “meteorologist” as one of my desired occupations. I have long since graduated from Jr. High, but I continue to build lists and dreams of what my life should and could look like. My wish lists include ways I think my children should spend their time, use their talents and build their brand. These kids, for the most part, have had different ideas about their future. Their paths and mine continue to take sharp turns and fly off ramps into new directions, but the constant and steadiest hope in my life has been Jesus. I just want Him and I want to know him and be ready to follow him on whatever path he points out to me.
This has been one of the hardest years I have lived… and I have been studying the Old Testament for the entire year. I have been aching for some Jesus, and yesterday, as I turned the page to the New Testament, my heart burst with joy and goose bumps covered my arms as I soaked up the fullness of studying our long-expected Jesus. I was so blessed to read about Zechariah and Elizabeth who had their plans and dreams denied for decades. They ached for children and prayed for the opportunity to pass on their legacy. They served the Lord and lived in eager anticipation for the Messiah to arrive.
They received the stunning news from Gabriel that they would indeed become parents, and their boy would prepare the way for the long-expected Jesus. Zechariah doubted, and as a result, was struck deaf and mute. When Elizabeth delivered their miracle baby, all her God-fearing, well-meaning friends were set to celebrate their opportunity to live out their legacy dream, but when these friends pressed her about the name of the child, Elizabeth and Zechariah were firm in their resolve that the child’s name would not be Zechariah or any other family name; this child will be called “John”. (Luke 1:11-63)
The plan for this baby was a huge surprise to his parents, and their choice of a name was confusing to their religious friends, but Zechariah and Elizabeth were obedient and faithful as they waited for the promised messiah. They were students of God’s word and faithful to his calling. Good people, who tried to help Zechariah and Elizabeth make a reasonable decision, surrounded them but Zechariah and Elizabeth knew that the only decision was to obey God’s word. They knew that God’s word alone is the spiritual food that nourishes. There is no substitute.
Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” And instantly, he could speak again, and he began praising God. Awe fell on the whole neighborhood. Luke 1:63b-65a (NLT)
Life often doesn’t make sense and the dreams we hold so tightly to can change in a blink, but Jesus is constant and awaiting his return is our thrilling and certain hope. Putting our hope in Him and trusting him when things make no sense is the only way to keep our feet and purpose sure. The loving and well-meaning voices of your neighbors and family and friends are not enough. Devotionals and well-written blogs are not enough. We must be students of God’s word. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. He is our firm foundation. Our long-expected Messiah will return, and as we obediently wait, we get to witness the miracles and kept promises he never fails to deliver.