Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

Art source: fine art America John The Baptist by Todd L Thomas

I have been pondering and waiting (Advent means ‘waiting’) on this revelation for over eleven months…

The Lord began speaking this specific theme to me already in January of this year.

(And YOU are in this story…)

As the season of Advent now unfolds, I invite you to ponder the timeless story of Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. Zechariah, a priest, was visited by an angel while serving in the temple. After waiting for decades, they would be blessed with a son.

Zechariah’s journey was marked by disbelief initially, but transitioned into yet another period of waiting, aligning with the promise of God. Their son, John the Baptist, was destined to prepare the hearts of many for the arrival of Jesus Christ.

In the narrative of Luke 1, Zechariah’s initial skepticism led to a period of silence until the angel’s prophecy came to fruition.

It’s as if the angel said, “Don’t believe me? Here’s some time to quietly get your thoughts in line with God’s Truth.”

In God’s goodness, He gives Zechariah time to ponder God’s truth and not be tempted to speak aloud words of doubt.

This silent waiting served as a period of reflection and contemplation—a spiritual gestation – aligning with God’s promise, that mirrors the waiting in our own lives.

The baby was born. John the Baptist emerged as the herald announcing the upcoming arrival of the Messiah. In Matthew 11, Jesus acknowledged John’s greatness, labeling him among the most celebrated figures born of women. However, Jesus introduced a surprising revelation, stating, “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Pause for a moment. 

Wait…

What does that mean?

This scripture echoes a divine truth: 

We, the inhabitants of God’s kingdom, hold a unique significance.

Earlier this year, when I kept seeing 11:11 everywhere, this led me to seek the Lord…

In prayer, God directed my attention to Matthew 11:11, where Jesus affirmed, “I assure you that John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.” (GNT)

My family and friends, and many of those whom I coach, know that this entire year of 2023, the Lord had highlighted to me this numerous times.

John’s role as the precursor to Christ was pivotal, yet we stand in a time where Christ’s redemptive work has been unveiled. The veil has lifted. (2 Cor 3 and 4).

In Christ, we share a closeness to the Messiah that even John the Baptist, in his time, did not fully encounter.

This Advent, our wait need not be marked by despair or uncertainty but by anticipation of Christ’s return. Reflecting on John’s anticipation, we acknowledge our unique position in the kingdom, offering a profound intimacy with our Savior. Just as John paved the way for Christ’s first advent, we are called to prepare hearts to encounter Him and be ready for His return.

In this season of eager expectation, let us mirror Zechariah’s patience and John the Baptist’s preparation.

Let us embrace the stillness, reflection, and hope as we await and prepare for the arrival of our Savior.

Let us recognize the distinct position we hold as members of His kingdom, in preparing the way.

Reflection:

Read: Luke 1:5-17; 57-80 and Matthew 11:11:

1.Focus in on Luke 1:5-17; 57-80 (the angel’s announcement, the birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah’s Prophecy over his son).

2.Read Matthew 11:10-12.

3.Then re-read Luke 1:76-79 (Zechariah’s Prophetic word over John) after reading Matthew 11:11.

Just wow…

Ask: 

1.Holy Spirit, what do you want to highlight to me from this passage, as I ponder my position in your kingdom – after John, and after the cross, and now with the gift of Holy Spirit given to all who receive?

2.Jesus, how can I let your presence today shape my readiness during this Advent season, similar to Zechariah’s anticipation of John the Baptist’s birth?

3.Lord, help me understand the significance of your words about those in your kingdom being greater than John the Baptist. How does this affect my part and calling as a believer in today’s world?

4.Almighty God, guide me this Advent to align my heart, similar to Zechariah’s anticipation of John’s birth, for the second coming of Jesus. Reveal to me how to embrace this exceptional relationship I have with Christ in my daily life.

Recap on thoughts the Lord highlighted to me:

John was a forerunner filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.

We are called to be like John – forerunners of Christ, filled with Holy Spirit!

In answer to Zechariah’s question: “How can I be sure?” The angel replied: “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news!”

John’s name means: ‘God is gracious’ or ‘gift of God’. Zechariah wrote down John’s name first and then could speak and praise the Lord!

God invites us to agree with Him, write down the Truth, and then speak it out, praising God’s name!


Feel free to share in the comments below what is being highlighted to you about Zechariah’s waiting and John the Baptist’s calling, and your place in the kingdom…