Lately, I have been fascinated with the first chapter of the book of Luke. Zechariah and Elizabeth had heard from God and they had a plan. (Luke 1:13) Their neighbors and relatives (and most likely their friends) were onboard with their plan. That is...right up until the couple deviated from the plan of their neighbors, relatives, friends...tradition.
A little side note. I like tradition. I don't have anything against tradition. But when tradition doesn't like up with God's Word, I don't put confidence in it. That said, at times, that may pose a problem with some desiring to hang onto traditions.
"But that's the way we've always done it."
When we have heard from God and step into what He has called us to do, it might not always make sense to those around us. Don't be discouraged, after all, we cannot expect others to know what they have not heard.
A second little side note. Nothing is going on with us personally. This blogpost is simply born out of what God has shown me recently in my bible study to share with you.
Back on task, breaking this passage down in order to apply it to our lives today.
- God had a good plan for this couple.
- God has a good plan for us. (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 2:11)
- Elizabeth gave birth.
- In due time, we give birth to God's plan in our lives. (Galatians 6:7, Ecclesiastes 3:11)
- This isn't to say we just sit and do nothing "waiting on God". (Romans 8:14)
- We pursue Him and His plan for us. (Jeremiah 33:3)
- In order to reap, we must have sown. (Galatians 6:7, Galatians 6:9)
- Everyone rejoiced with her.
- At times, everyone rejoices with us.
- Other times, everyone rejoices with us...for a season.
- And other times, no one rejoices with us at all.
- Lack of rejoicing on the behalf of others does not determine our determination.
- They all came to the ceremony, they wanted, and they exclaimed.
- We never allow anyone's voice to drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26)
- Elizabeth said, "No!"
- We all have to speak up for ourselves. (Mark 11:23, Ephesians 6:12)
- We cannot be distracted by whether or not neighbors, relatives, and friends rejoice. Instead, we do as Elizabeth did and say, "No!" And then, we press on toward the prize! (Philippians 3:14)
At this point, did the neighbors and relatives say, "Oh okay, my bad. No problem. I was completely out of line. I will stand down now."
After all, this is Elizabeth's "baby".
No, instead they exclaimed, “What? There is no one in all your family by that name.” Upon hearing what Elizabeth had to say on the matter, they referred back to what tradition would do instead of focusing on what God said to do for this particular situation.
And..."they used gestures".
And they "went above Elizabeth's head".
None of which affected Elizabeth's decision. Go Elizabeth! Elizabeth did what her husband was instructed to do even though in doing so she broke tradition making no "sense" while at the same time dealing with people coming against her.
Are you ready for the cliffhanger?
Her family said, "There is not one in your family that is called John." (Luke 1:61)
YES! That's exactly the point!
John was different!
John was born to do something no one had ever done before! (Luke 1:76)
Go on before the Lord and prepare the way for Him!
So...when you know that you know that you know, you have heard from God...let nothing, no thing...deter you, no matter how many "gestures" may hit you! This is your baby! (Romans 8:14)
Most gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plan for our lives! Thank You for showing us great and mighty things we don't know! Thank You for dropping into our spirits Your specific plan that is perfect and designed just for us! Strengthen us with determination to walk through all opposition we face to continue on to our prize, in Your precious Son's holy name, Jesus! Amen!
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