Monday, June 22
Read: Luke 1
The book of Luke starts with the foretelling (an act of prophecy, a prediction of what is to come) of the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. There are many similarities as well as differences between these two events. First off both events were prophesied 700 years in advance! How amazing is that! The Jews knew their scripture and were awaiting such births. Every woman wanted to be the chosen one to carry the Messiah. These were both much anticipated events.
Zechariah was a High Priest. His job inside the temple was to burn the prayer of incense on the golden altar. This was a representation of prayer. To do this the priests were to go into the temple and follow a whole list of rules and regulations in order to do their job right. Priests knew their stuff. This was also an honor only given once to a priest in his lifetime.
After the angel announces the coming birth of a son can you recall Zechariah’s response? Do you think this was out of doubt? What were his consequences? Do you think he was doubting himself or God? (v. 18)
Let’s take a look at Mary now. Mary was a young girl, probably in her mid teens. Gabriel’s first words to her were “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Can you imagine such a greeting? From an angel? Mary must have been super good to pull that off right? In reality she wasn’t much different than you or me. Just a chosen instrument of God to carry the Messiah.
Can you recall Mary’s response to Gabriel? (v. 38) How does this one differ from that of Zechariah’s? What was the reward for her faith?
As we can see here faith is huge! With Zechariah and Mary we have two accounts of God’s blessing and plan for their lives and we have two different reactions. Zechariah responds in pride thinking there is no way his wife could get pregnant at her age and therefore doubts God. God doesn’t take away the blessing He has for Zechariah but He sure does discipline him for his unbelief. Mary, on the other hand, questions Gabriel as well but more out of curiosity and then humbly accepts the plans God has for her in praise and adoration to Him. You can also tell that these two God has chosen are completely different, reminding us that God chooses who He wills and not because of what we can do for Him, who we are or where we came from.
The point is that God chose these two to carry out huge plans for His glory. God has not ceased choosing people to carry out His plans and do big things for Him. Whether you realize it or not each one of you were chosen by God to be here this summer for Band of Survivors. And in response each of you has faithfully obeyed. It might not have been easy to make the decision to leave home for a month, live with people you hardly know, do and learn things you’ve never done before and be challenged beyond your limits. In reward each of you will be blessed beyond measure this summer. Your hearts will soften, your minds will expand, your faith will grow and your lives will change.
Process:
– You will be doing some new and exciting and even challenging things this summer. This being the first day, what type of emotions are you experiencing?
– When you first felt called to do BOS this summer how did you feel? What was your initial response to Gods prompting? How have you felt blessed because of your obedience?
– It might not be giving birth to the Messiah, but your role here this summer is huge. You have an important part to play. You are going to be challenged and stretched out of your comfort zones beyond imagination, but you’ll also have an incredible time! How are you going to respond? Will you have a ready and willing heart like Mary or will you be skeptical like Zechariah?
– Close in prayer together asking God to prepare you for the exciting adventure you are to partake of this summer!