Fear

Luke 1:8-17 (The Message)

It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.

But the angel reassured him, "Don't fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You're going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He'll achieve great stature with God.

"He'll drink neither wine nor beer. He'll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother's womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God."

It was Zachariah's day to burn incense at the altar in the Temple. This was a rare privilege, and a big moment in Zachariah's life.

His job as a priest was to offer the ritual sacrifices and acts of worship necessary to make peace between the people and God.

Priestly work was considered dangerous. Legend says that the high priest of Judaism wore a rope around his waist or leg when entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement on Yom Kippur. It was thought that if his sins were not properly atoned before making the offering that he would die in the presence of God's glory. The rope was there to pull out his body.

Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.

No doubt.

It's hard to imagine the fear that must have gripped him. And the message that the angel delivered was perhaps equally frightening and difficult to understand.

Your prayers are heard. You will have a son. He will prepare the hearts of the people.

Zechariah's and Elizabeth's son would be John the Baptist. He would herald the coming of the messiah. His "priestly" work would do away with the need for the old sacrificial system that made up Zechariah's life.

Everything was changing. It was the answer to his prayer. And it scared him to death.

Sometimes, we all get afraid. Maybe that fear tells us that we're standing in the presence of God's great plan. Fear is normal, and it's not something to be ashamed of. But when fear dissolves into trust, then excitement and joy can take its place.

What are you praying for? What would you do if God answered in a powerful, life-changing way? Don't be afraid.

Prayer: God, we open our hearts and share our deepest longings and hurts. Teach us to watch and wait for your answers...and help us to overcome our fears through faith in you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Luke 1:18-25