The Amazing Consequences of Faith and Fear in a Believer’s Life! Part 2.

17 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 1:64.        And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake and praised God.

It’s down to eight now my people….only eight days to Christmas! Hope the preparations and celebrations are coming along well, but we’re keeping Christ first place, remembering that His birth is the ONLY reason for this Christmas celebration, and paying the respect and admiration that He’s due. And since it seems that God has spared our lives so we can see another day on His glorious Planet Earth, (smile) then we should continue with the story of Zacharias as promised. 

Now, yesterday we stopped where the angel told Zacharias about all the joy and gladness that John would bring and like Elijah, turn the people of Israel back to God. (Luke 1:14-17) And having heard all of that wonderful news, ‘Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken (advanced) in years. 

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings (this good news). And, behold, thou shalt be dumb (mute), and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season (in their own time).’  (Luke 1:18-20) 

Oh my people, you see what little or low faith can bring. If anyone was expected to believe Gabriel’s words, it would be the priest who was constantly dealing with faith and godly situations, not a young unmarried girl. But that’s how it happened, and thus Zacharias became dumb until his son, John the Baptist was born. Meanwhile the Bible tells us that as Zacharias was being made dumb in the temple… ‘And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried (delayed) so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had had a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.’  (Luke 1:21-22)

And I like how the scholars explain the situation. They say ‘Zacharias speechlessness serves to chasten him for his apparent skepticism. One may think it a harsh measure, but God who dispensed this judgement knew his heart. And the promise remained secure. Zacharias was merely prevented from easily spreading the news around.’ That shows us the contradiction with Mary’s situation. She believed, and was able to spread her news around, although her news was not something she desired many people to know about, since it would cause her great heartache and scandal.  

The Bible continues: ‘And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration (service) were accomplished (completed), he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus has the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.’ (Luke 1:23-25) In other words, when Zacharias finished his time of service, he went back home and impregnated Elisabeth, (smile) much like the story of Abraham and Sarah, a hundred and ninety years old respectively when they conceived Isaac. 

Now that last verse from Elisabeth is quite important for in Jewish culture a woman who could not bear children, like Hannah, the prophet Samuel’s mother, were looked upon with much scorn and disgrace. Thus Elisabeth was thanking the Lord for at last giving her freedom from the shame and scorn she had suffered in her earlier barren years. Sadly though, up to this day, some societies still look at barren women with scorn and disgrace. And for some reason, it’s always the fault of the woman, very seldom, if ever, of the man. But unfortunately that’s the way this male centred world goes. 

However, moving on with our story, we finally come to John the Baptist’s birth. The Bible tells us: ‘Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins (relatives) heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.’ (Luke 1:57-58)  As the old people would say; the ole hypocrites and them. They heaped so much scorn on her before when she was considered barren, but now that she has a child, they want to rejoice and celebrate with her. But I guess that’s the nature of the human animal. 

Anyway, the story continues: ‘And it came to pass, that on the eight day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by that name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake and praised God.’ (Luke 1:59-64) 

Ah friends, the Lord surely knows how to dramatize a scene to be the most effective. For after that, the Bible relates it thus: ‘And fear came on all that dwelt around about them: and all these sayings (things) were noised abroad (discussed) throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up (kept them) in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.’ (Luke 1:65-66) Yes mih bredrin, the Lord does move in mysterious but very powerful and successful ways His purpose to accomplish. 

Today we concentrate mostly on Jesus’ birth, but the birth of John the Baptist, His forerunner, also caused consternation in the camp. And the scholars explain the words ‘Fear came,’ by saying: ‘The working of God produced a unique sensation among a people where not even a prophet had spoken for centuries.’ But the Lord was able to wake them up though with birth of John the Baptist! (smile) 

Now let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And yes, it will be an even more glorious future than we can ask or imagine, for those who endure to the end with Christ. It therefore behooves us to endure to the very end, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…with Jesus…it’s all about faith…about sincerely believing…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 December 2023 Luke 1:60.

18 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 1:60.       And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

So friends, it’s Monday, which means we have to go to work…so what eh? And although it’s also wet and cloudy like yesterday, this is also the beginning of Christmas week, the celebration of Jesus’ awesome birth, which makes almost everything right with our world! (smile) Look at it this way nuh…next Monday we won’t be going to work but will be celebrating Christmas Day with friends and family. Now doesn’t that marvellous occasion make up for having to go to work today? It certainly does! And we all know anyway, that during Christmas week much work isn’t done in the many offices all around the world. 

No! What with all the office parties and exchanging of gifts and all the other hoopla, Christmas week is perhaps the best week to go to work. (smile) However, in all the excitement and festivities, let’s not forget who and what is the reason for it all; Jesus Christ, His birth and the consequent saving of our sinful souls. So please make time, every so often in our busy schedules to stop, for even a moment, and give Jesus thanks for all that He’s done, is doing and has promised to do for us. End of Sermon! 

And today we’re going to take a look into the birth of John the Baptist. Remember the Lord had made his father Zacharias dumb because he had not believed the words of the angel Gabriel, that he and his hitherto barren wife Elisabeth would have a male child named John in their old age. (Luke 1:5-25) So life rolls along with Zacharias not being able to speak. The Bible then continues the story thus: ‘Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins (relatives) heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.’ (Luke 1:57-58) 

Isn’t it wonderful that Elisabeth’s relatives were happy that her barrenness was repealed through the Lord’s great mercy, and consequently rejoiced with her. In those days, it was a time of great joy when a hitherto barren woman became pregnant, because a married woman without children was looked upon as a disgrace to herself and her family. And along with the rejoicing there was also drama, because the Lord is a dramatist, and likes to create drama in even the simplest situations. (smile) 

The Good Library says: ‘And it came to pass, that on the eight day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. and they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his (Zacharias’) mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.’ (Luke 1:59-64) 

Yes mih bredrin, our God LOVES His dramatic moments! He could have loosened Zacharias’ tongue and made him say that the child’s name was John. But no, He made him remain dumb until after he had written down the name. Then, and only then, did God cause him to speak. And what was the response to the unusual situation? The Word says: ‘And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these saying (things) were noised abroad (discussed) throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them, laid them up (kept them) in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.’ (Luke 1:65-66) 

Ah friends, when the Lord’s hand is on you in a strong manner, you will certainly be different, not be a normal, everyday, run of the mill person, as were all the prophets and people who manifested God’s Word down through the ages. Look at Noah; he bult an ark because God said so, and everybody laughed at him. But he proved them wrong when the flood came. Abraham left his home and family at the age of seventy-five to go wandering in the wilderness because God said so. Now he is the father of our faith. Bruh Joseph, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, Moses, Job, all had the strong hand of the Lord on them and they all lived extraordinary lives because they followed the Lord’s leading and guidance. 

So why, when we ordinary folks today have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us, to lead and guide us in the Lord’s directions, are we so stubborn, hard hearted and foolish that we refuse to listen to His awesome and eternal wisdom eh? Who knows? But let’s hope and pray that in this Christmas Season, as the celebrations of Christ’s incarnate birth intensify, that many unbelievers will finally accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, and those of us who already know Him, will increase, or improve our faith in and LOVE for Him, so that we can become the extraordinary people He desires us to become. 

Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, to find the help we need to become more mature Christians. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So Lord, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And the irony of the situation is that the solution to our problem is found in our prayer…turn from our evil ways. Yes friends, that’s always the first step in receiving divine help. And if we’re wise, we’ll do just that! Much LOVE!

…extraordinary people…have the extraordinary hand of God on them… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ