Three Demands of the God-Directed Life

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And 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 (Luke 1:5-7).

After introducing us to the intended recipient of this story, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, prompted Luke to begin at the beginning. This good news story begins before the birth of the main character. In setting the stage for this “orderly account” (Luke 1:3), Luke writes about Zechariah and Elizabeth a husband and wife about to be used by God for a very important purpose. The Spirit intentionally inspired Luke to record three significant facts about this precious elderly couple. These spiritual truths will bless earnest disciples that are serious about discovering and pursuing the will of God… “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Today the Spirit illuminates the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth to show us three demands of the God-directed life.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a devoted life. They were each descended from priestly families and were thus set apart for God’s special work. They lived among those called to serve the Lord in His temple and to intercede for the people. While New Testament believers are not part of the line of Old Testament priests, the Spirit testifies that we are part of a new priesthood of believers… “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). As such, we are to live in holiness, above and beyond the sin and temptation of this world so we might be set apart and available for God’s holy work… “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a disciplined life. They were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord”. They were obedient to the laws and truths revealed in God’s word. Jesus promises that He will make Himself known to those who obey His word… “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). He also promises the Holy Spirit in increasing measure to those who keep His commandments… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17). It is the Holy Spirit that leads us into truth and empowers us to do God’s work… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a determined life. They had no child of their own but they were willing to serve God’s child. They were advanced in years but they were never too old for the Lord’s work. Maturing disciples are not immune from the trials of life. We get sick and grow old just like everyone else. We have broken dreams and disappointments. What makes us different is our growing knowledge of the Lord. As we get to know our great, supernatural God better we expect Him to be doing great, supernatural things… “You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14). Our discernment of His soul-saving work is heightened… “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Our desire to be part of His kingdom-building work grows… “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

As we grow up into Christ the Spirit helps us to become more devoted, disciplined, and determined…

Three Demands of the God-Directed Life.