NO WORD FROM GOD WILL EVER FAIL - PART 3

FRIDAY 06 SEPTEMBER 2024

Before Jesus was born, and during the time He was on earth, the Jewish life was centered in the temple in Jerusalem. Priests were responsible for the temple's activities - which include receiving religious pilgrims and their sacrifices (cattle, sheep, goats, and doves), and it was part of Zachariah's chief seat of activities, who became a priest by being born in a priestly family line.

Reference: Luke 1:36-37 New International Version (NIV)

"Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."

Now I want you to fully understand the comprehensive context of the story that followed the birth of John the Baptist, whose mother, named as Elizabeth, was identified as a barren woman till old age.

One day Zachariah was chosen to perform his priestly duties in God's presence, according to the temple's normal schedule and routine. He had been selected from all the priests by the customary procedure of casting lots for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the sacred precincts of the temple. There he burned sweet incense, while outside a large crowd of people prayed. Suddenly Zachariah realized he was not alone: a messenger of the Lord was there with him. The messenger stood just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was shocked and afraid, but the messenger reassured him (see Luke 1:8-12).

Messenger (Angel Gabriel): Zachariah, calm down! Don't be afraid!

Zachariah was a priest working in the temple, and heard from God, just like those prophets who heard from God, and so, his duties were interrupted in this way. Often in the Biblical story, when people receive a message from God - after getting over the initial shock - they start asking questions. Some push back and doubt. This was the case with Zachariah.

Messenger (Angel Gabriel): Zachariah, your prayers have been heard. Your wife is going to have a son, and you will name him John. He will bring you great joy and happiness - and many will share your joy at John's birth.

This son of yours will be a great man in God's sight. He will not drink alcohol in any form; instead of alcoholic spirits, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is in his mother’s womb. Here is his mission: he will turn many of the children of Israel around to follow the path to the Lord their God. Do you remember the prophecy about someone to come in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah; someone who will turn the hearts of the parents back to their children; someone who will turn the hearts of the disobedient to the mind-set of the just and good? Your son is the one who will fulfill this prophecy: he will be the Lord's forerunner, the one who will prepare the people and make them ready for God (see Luke 1:13-17).

Zachariah: How can I be sure of what you're telling me? I am an old man, and my wife is far past the normal age for women to bear children. This is hard to believe!

Messenger (Angel Gabriel sternly spoke): I am Gabriel, the messenger who inhabits God's presence. I was sent here to talk with you and bring you this good news. Because you didn't believe my message, you will not be able to talk - not another word - until you experience the fulfillment of my words.

Considering the concluding part of this dialogue, did you notice that Angel Gabriel disciplined Zachariah for his verbalized demonstration of unbelief?

Now watch this: In the next article, I will point out or compare the manner in which the Angel of the Lord delivered God's message to Zachariah and to virgin Mary, plus His remarkable responses to both of them, sharply contrasted with opposite outcomes or effects. This is because some people could consider it as a good way to distinguish "how valuable women are in the sight of God", from "how valuable men are in God's sight and perfect will." However, in prevailing reality, we (both male and female) are brought to see and behold all the favour, beauty, grace and wonder that is in Christ - without favouritism. To that effect, Pauline epistolary expression in Galatians 3:28 reads, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (ESV).

To give you a phenomenal glimpse into what is coming, as a peculiar type of blessed woman, Mary was highly favoured, because in her womb, God would keep for Himself a holy seed, and bring Him forth in human flesh. He would manifest and flourish on earth as a branch of Jesse, a branching tree which stems from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David, and as Abraham's seed, meaning one person, who is Christ, He would grace the saints with both heavenly blessings and prosperous fruits on earth.

Scripture Reading - Psalm 36:5; Isaiah 55:11-12; Hosea 2:21; Lamentations 3:22-23.

Exuberant Declaration:

I belong to a superior Kingdom, which is Christ's kingdom, and I function in the realm of absolute goodness and certainty, with the proclamation that no word from God will ever fail, both in times of economic upturn and massive betterment, and that of uncertainty and adversity. Hallelujah!