Dave's Diary

They looked more like grandparents, this elderly man and his wife. Yet here they were cradling their newborn son, just as the angel had said it would be. Zechariah was filled with nine months of bottled-up awe and wonder. Struck dumb as a consequence of his unbelief, he had spent Elizabeth’s entire pregnancy communicating with signs and written notes on a tablet. Much as he had “told” Elizabeth the full story of his vision of the angel in the Holy Place, their neighbours and friends in the village had no idea. It had felt too sacred an experience to talk about – even for Elizabeth.

The eighth day of their baby’s life arrived at last – the day of his circumcision and naming ceremony. And this was no private affair. Soon after sunrise and the hour of morning prayer, the villagers began to gather to support the couple with prayers and celebration. The hubbub outside their humble home grew louder. A musician began to play his lyre, and the faithful began to sing a Psalm. They wished to welcome the baby boy by name at last and they were impatient to know what it was to be.

Daily Reading: Luke 1:57-80

The strength of a couple united in agreement with another and with God, shines through in this Gospel scene. In the face of a well-meaning crowd pressuring them to give their son a particular name, they stood firm in their resolve to be obedient to what God had told them. And their resolve released God’s power. After nine long months of silence, Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his praise burst forth at last.

Far more often than we may realize, we miss out on the power of God because we compromise on His will and take the path of least resistance. Had Elizabeth and Zechariah disobeyed the angel and gone with the crowd, Zechariah would quite likely never have spoken again. But the moment they stood firm in agreement with one another and with God, and walked in step with God’s revealed will, His power was released to enable and bless their obedience!

With whom will you stand in unity and agreement with the will of God today? Will you rope someone in to support you in fellowship and prayer as you take your stand? Or will you be that brother- or sister-in-arms for someone today? Don’t shy away from the challenge. Let’s stand firm together in agreement and in alignment with the will of God, no matter what the crowd says.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be a friend and ally to others who need my support today. Lead me to those who will be a friend and ally to me when I need theirs. And together may we stand firmly and steadfastly in line with Your will, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.