Day 7: The Silence Stops
Reading: Luke 1:5-17
After the prophet Malachi, there was no prophetic word from God to His people until an angel appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.
As Zechariah served as a priest in the temple, the day came for him to go into the temple to burn incense to the Lord. Only one priest per year was allowed this honor. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would change Zachariah’s life forever. While in the temple, the Lord sent an angel to Zechariah to end 400 years of silence and deliver a message that would change the world as we know it. Luke 1:13 says:
“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 call him John.” (Luke 1:13 NIV)
The announcement of the birth of John was the first communication God had with His people since the prophet Malachi. John would prepare the way for Jesus and his birth announcement reveals that God’s promised Messiah was soon on His way. This word from God not only signified that God was still very much present but also that He was closer than we could ever imagine.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being near and for all the ways You’ve made a way in my life to keep Your promises. May I remember your faithfulness always. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray, Amen.