SCRIPTURE: Luke (NIV) 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.
OBSERVATION: The angel interrupted the priestly duties of Zechariah to tell him that he and Elizabeth would have a son in spite of their old age. The son was to be given the name “John.” He became known as John the Baptist. What stood out to me as I read this passage is that the angel told them something that should make any parent’s heart rejoice. Yes, this child would bring them joy, yes, many will rejoice because of his birth, and yes, many would return to the Lord because of his life. But more important, this child would be great in the sight of the Lord! He would make God smile!
APPLICATION: Many people want their children to be great in the sight of the world. They want them to be great football or soccer players, or artist, or musicians, or great leaders… But on judgment day, the opinion of millions of people will not outweigh what God says! What is His opinion? They may be a success or failure in the eyes of the world, but what are they “in the sight of the Lord?”
PRAYER: Lord, this thought must start with me. What am I in Your sight, oh Lord? Have you found me to be your faithful servant? Forgive me for the times I put my will above your will. Success is not in big numbers but in your smile. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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