Today’s scripture: Luke 1:5-25 (ESV-text and audio) (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Mark Shoup):
Zechariah is told by an angel that God is about to give him and his wife a very special gift — gift that they had apparently wanted for a very long time, the gift of a son. But what is Zechariah’s response? He wants proof. Now, any kid around can tell you that when you get a gift, the proper response is “Thank you”, not “Prove it!” Apparently, Gabriel is a little put off by Zechariah’s rudeness and decides to give him a “time out.”
It all seems just that simple, just that cut and dried, but how many of us have been given a gift by the Lord and have behaved in a similar way? How often has God presented us with an opportunity to serve in God’s grand scheme, only to have us declare that we’re too busy/untalented/messed up to really be of any use to the Lord? I know I have, and I doubt that I am the only one.
It has taken me until just recently to realize that God doesn’t use perfect people. God uses broken people! I think that is why one of my favorite scriptures is 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul is writing about an affliction he had asked God to remove. If God can use weakness, then I’m going to have to start thinking up new excuses!
Actually, I’m trying to get out of the habit of thinking up excuses altogether. Now (ideally) when God gives me a gift or an opportunity, I’m trying to say “Ok God, if that is what you want of me, then with Your help I’m going to do it!” And I don’t think an all knowing God would ask me to do something unless God knew I was able.
Thought for the day: God, help me to have the courage to embrace you gifts, and to use them to further Your kingdom.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.