Read Luke 1
Chapter 1 of Luke’s Gospel introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple who were faithful to God but had no children. While serving in the Holy of Holies, Zechariah encountered an angel of the Lord who announced that the couple would soon be blessed with a son. Zechariah, knowing that their ages were against them, challenged the angel’s announcement and was given the silent treatment for the entire pregnancy as a result.
In contrast, the angel Gabriel also appeared to a young virgin to announce that she had been chosen as the mother of the Lord’s Messiah. Mary wasn’t quite sure how such a thing could happen, but unlike Zechariah’s doubts, Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38 NIV84).
So, what do we learn from these two very different encounters with God’s messengers?
- God moves in unexpected ways. We often put God in a box, and by doing so, we limit Him to what we perceive as normal activities. God is Sovereign and can do more than we can begin to imagine, so when you trust Him, expect the unexpected!
- God sometimes uses unexpected ways to communicate with us. I can’t say I have knowingly encountered an angel, but I know of others who are quite sure that they have. I have had the Lord speak to me through a dream. I’ve felt the nudge, or more often, the conviction of the Holy Spirit to take a step of faith. I’ve also read Bible passages that suddenly reveal a new Truth I hadn’t seen before, and I have wise Christian friends who often give good counsel. The key is to be open to how God may be speaking to you. Listening is not always something we do well, but you can’t “hear” if you don’t “listen.”
- Physical limitations do not limit God. Zechariah and Elizabeth were old; Mary was very young. All three were available and willing to serve God, and they were used for God’s purpose and glory. We must recognize that while we have breath, God can use us if we make ourselves available to Him.
Musings from My Sun Porch 
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