Lk 1:1ff, “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses… 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Luke wrote to a certain Theophilus; in other words, he wrote to all those who are friends of God - Theophilus, from Theos (God) and Philos (friend). He writes that it seemed good to him to compile an account of all the events and miracles that had taken place in their midst. Likewise, while we are about to close on 2011, it would be good that God’s friends, those who truly love the Lord, take time to look closely into all that the Lord has done for them or around them since January 1, 2011. This exercise will help them know the veracity of the teachings, prophecies and promises that they have received since the beginning of the year.
Lk 1:5-7, “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah… he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.”
Despite their righteousness, blamelessness and their priestly lineage, Elizabeth was barren and they did not have a child! Maybe you have also obeyed all of the Lord’s commandments and ordinances for this year; yet, time has kept on passing by without you bearing those promises forth and you feel like you are barren. Well, if that is your case, don’t be discouraged: 2011 is not over yet and God can still visit you like He visited Zechariah and his wife. Just remain faithful in your service like Zechariah who faithfully continued his duties in the Temple (vs. 8-9) and remain hungry because He fills the hungry with good things, and sends the rich away empty (vs. 53): the Angel of the Lord can still appear to you.
Just like last week, I pray that we find favour with God. I pray for an angelic visitation before January 1, 2012. I pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon us, and the power of the Most High will overshadow us so that we may conceive and give birth to God’s gift for the nations (vs. 31-35).
Lk 1:26-27, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin… And the virgin's name was Mary.”
In the 6th month… Some amongst us have been visited during the 6th month and they are sadly ending the year because they think God hasn’t done anything for them; but inasmuch a pregnancy lasts 9 months, they will not give birth before the 3rd month of 2012. I want to say this again: do not be discouraged because God has not finished with you yet. Don’t be disheartened and don’t stop believing even if what you were expecting doesn’t show up by midnight on December 31: keep on scrutinizing the first months of 2012 and keep on believing. The angel rebuked Zechariah saying: "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." (Vs. 19-20). Indeed, blessed is them who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to them from the Lord (vs. 45).
I wish you a ‘Wonderblessed’ Year 2012. I have placed mine under the banner of entrepreneurship: why not do the same?
In any case, just like in 2011 and in the past, this is certain: the Bible will still have ALL the answers. Prayer will still be the most powerful force on Earth. The Holy Spirit will still move. God will still honor the praises of His people. There will still be room at the Cross. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him and He will still love you!
Take a moment to read or re-read these articles: “What are you expecting from God?” (it was the message for the ending year) and “The art of making good choices.”
See you in 2012, by His Grace.
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