Returning from a vision tour of Costa Rica, I reflected a great deal on what I saw and how it impacts my life in Lincoln. A short-term mission trip allows one to be an eyewitness of God’s supernatural working to deepen your appreciation and study of the Scriptures. As a result, you have a greater desire to be part of God’s rescue mission in reconciling humankind to Himself. Luke had a similar purpose in writing His gospel.
Luke used eyewitness accounts and ministers of the word so a “friend of God” could know the exact truth about things taught to him (Lk. 1:1-4). The main characters in Luke 1, Zacharias, Elizabeth and Mary, gained greater understanding and experience seeing God work first-hand in turning people from darkness to the “way of peace,” like He wants for you. Be available to turn people to Christ.
Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, were old and barren, but walked blamelessly in all God’s commandments. He burned incense in the temple of the Lord while a multitude prayed outside. An angel of the Lord told him to not fear since God heard his prayer. The result was Elizabeth bearing a son named John. Many would rejoice at his birth. John’s purpose as a forerunner would turn back many of Israel’s sons to the Lord. In the power of Elijah, he would “turn the heart of the father back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Lk. 1:5-17). Turn your heart back to Him.
The angel Gabriel said Zacharias’ inability to speak would be the sign that he didn’t believe his words. After he came out of the temple, Zacharias was mute. Elizabeth became pregnant since God looked with favor by taking away disgrace among men (Lk. 1:18-25). Respond to signs believing that God is real.
Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel said to not fear since she found favor with God. Mary would conceive a son named Jesus, Son of the Most High. The Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David to reign over Jacob’s house in an eternal kingdom. In answer to her question about being a virgin, the angel said the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the holy offspring would be called the Son of God. After believing nothing would be impossible with God, Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:26-38). Submit to God’s word in impossible situations.
Mary greeted Elizabeth and the baby leaped in her womb as she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord . . . for He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; . . . for the Mighty One has done great things for me; . . . He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. . . . And exalted those who were humble. . . . ” (Lk. 1:39-55). Be humble and praise God for His working.
Elizabeth gave birth and the word got out that the Lord displayed His great mercy toward her. God opened her husband’s mouth and he spoke praise of God. Fear came upon those living around them (Lk 1:56-66). Be a living example of God’s work.
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, said God visited them, accomplished redemption for His people and shone upon those who sit in darkness and shadow of death by guiding their feet into the way of peace (Lk 1:67-80). Verbally share God’s word as testimony of His work.
Engage in God’s rescue work by being available, turn your heart to Him, respond to signs believing that God is real, submit to His word in impossible situations, be humble and praise Him for His working, be a living example and verbally share His word as a testimony of His work.
