Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 1:67-80
What would you expect Zechariah – a new dad – to pray after the birth of his long- awaited son?
What were Zechariah's first words of praise?
His first words were praise that God was sending the Messiah.
Does this surprise you?
Now, the Messiah has not yet been born – that would happen in approximately 6 months – but Zechariah saw the birth of his son as the first event leading up to the REALLY BIG EVENT. It probably was surprising to the people around Zechariah, too. It got their attention. Some of them probably thought that Zechariah was actually referring to his son, John the Baptizer – that maybe he was the Messiah. But Zechariah clears that up by stating that John the Baptizer will be a prophet and will prepare the way for Messiah.
How did Zechariah know all this?
I think it's because when his mouth was shut, he spent most of his time praying and listening to God. He took what the angel had told him, plus what the angel had told Mary and he began to search the Old Testament Scriptures and discovered God's plan.
As John the Baptizer grew, he spent more and more time alone with God in the wilderness. As he drew closer and closer to God, God used him to literally “prepare the way” for Jesus' arrival.
Sometimes it's important to stop talking and start listening to God and seeking His direction. I hope that you are learning to spend some time every day listening to God. You don't have to move into the wilderness – but you do have to take out those ear buds and find a quiet place to be alone with God. God wants to direct your path, but you must make a time and place to listen.
Our world today is intent on filling every waking second with noise (and that includes good worship music). It will take effort on your part to find a place of quiet to hear God's voice.
Is there a place you can go where you can be quiet and listen to God?