December 6:
B.C. verse: Luke 1: 11-17
A.D. verse: Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 56: 3-4
Christmas Hymn: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”
Hymn for today: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429
With a name like Richard Santana, he sounds as though he should be a
rock star; in truth, he IS a pretty big deal. Even though Richard’s connections
to First Covenant Church had been established long before, our family met
Richard three years ago when we went on a mission trip to Ecuador. For lack of
a better description, Richard’s official function was travel guide/interpreter.
Throughout the ten days of the trip, Richard wound his way into the fabric of
our family to become an important part of our lives.
While his life’s story is as colorful as his personality, Richard, a
native Ecuadorian, is currently in the United States on an educational visa.
His intention is to get a pastoral degree from North Park University in Chicago
so that he can return to Ecuador with a thorough theological background to
teach and equip others to become spiritual leaders and pastors.
Even though it sounds simple, Richard has met plenty of challenges
along the way. He has had to leave his entire family and everything he knows to
enter a new, foreign culture. He has struggled to learn (to the point of
fluency) a second language. Plus, he has had to rely on the generosity of
churches to support him and his educational expenses. Even though the situation
has looked grim and impossible at times, not once have I seen or heard Richard
waver in his conviction. He is “all-in” for God and is 100% confident that he
was meant for this time and for this purpose.
In today’s reading, an angel gives Zechariah the 411 regarding his
future son. His name will be John. He will be a joy and delight. He will be
great in the sight of the Lord. He will never drink wine or any other fermented
beverage. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (an unprecedented
proclamation) even BEFORE he is born. “He will bring back many of the people of
Israel to the Lord their God by turning the hearts of parents to their children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” (v. 15-17).
The name, “John,” is derived from the Hebrew “Yochanan” and means “Yahweh
is gracious.” It also translates into meaning “Jehovah has been gracious; has
shown favor.” In considering John’s future responsibilities, this is a
tremendous vote of confidence to that end.
In fact, the angel’s location as he delivers the message confirms John’s
name and importance to God. “Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right side of the altar of incense” (v 11). The spatial detail of the angel being on the
right side of the altar is significant. In the Biblical world, the “right” side
is a place of honor and authority; it exalts one above another. Likewise, the
angel delivers the message by the altar of incense, which accompanied a meat
offering on the Day of Atonement. The angel’s placement is not accidental. It
is a visual confirmation to both Zechariah and us concerning John’s
significance. The fact that John will never be allowed to have liquor
emphasizes the fact that he is special and separate – consecrated for God’s
purpose.
In short, John had been specifically chosen to fill some mighty big
shoes. Even before he was born, it was clear that his life would not be an easy
one; he would have to buck the system, take the harder, less traveled road, and
spend his life trying to convince others to do a 180. Yay. Sounds like fun. Nevertheless,
this is what God had ordained for John from the very beginning; this was his
calling and life’s purpose.
As I see it, Richard is a sort of modern-day John the Baptist. In spite
of the difficulties and challenges, Richard continues to move in faith, pushing
ahead and never looking back. He believes that this journey and his purpose are
ordained by God.
Where there is faith, there is no room for fear. They cannot co-exist. “Be
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). “When I am afraid, I
will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am
not afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4). Why are you here for such a time and place as this?
What shoes have you been asked to fill? If you can contemplate that question with excitement instead of fear, you are ready, and it's so on.
Daily Challenge: Become an organ donor. Do it today; don’t put it off
for tomorrow.
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