Devotion: Worship
Luke 1:5-25 (from The Message)
A Childless Couple Conceives
During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest assigned service in the regiment of Abijah. His name was Zachariah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Together they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old.
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.”
Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”
But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.”
Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary. When he came out and couldn’t speak, they knew he had seen a vision. He continued speechless and had to use sign language with the people.
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said.
Worship
40 years ago, Ray and I chose to worship at Sheridan Lutheran Church. We liked how friendly everyone was, they even remembered our names. We were two small-town kids in search of a home, ready to put down roots.
Then 20 years later, when Pastor Larry Arganbright came to Sheridan, his first sermon had us taking off our shoes because were on ‘holy ground’ in the sanctuary. God was a presence and a force. We should expect Him in our midst.
Did Zachariah expect God when he went into the sanctuary? No, and he sure didn’t expect an angel with such unlikely news. After so many years of praying for a child, he couldn’t believe what he was being told.
Do you expect to hear God’s voice in our Worship Center? You might hear children singing, a sound bite on the big screens or a message spoken by our eloquent pastors. Is God there when we worship or out in the world where we are?
While visiting me in a hospital room 14 years ago, again Pastor Larry listened to me and proceeded to tell me God was talking to me. Never had I been told that, and certainly not by a pastor. So I wasn’t crazy!! I was just an ordinary person like Zachariah, being told to listen to God’s message.
Our worship style at Sheridan has changed over the past 40 years, but the message has not. Expect something significant to happen to your heart when you worship. You can worship God in nature, in the community, in life, or even in a hospital room. God comes to where you are.
Dear God,
As we prepare for Your Son’s birth, let us remember to listen to Your voice. Let us hear the plans You have for us. Keep us focused on praising Your creation and Your sacrifice. Hold us close. Amen.
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have 3 sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their 4 grandchildren (ages 2-7). Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!