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Changed

Luke 1:21-23

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

The people knew something had happened to Zechariah that had changed him, although he could not properly communicate it to them. The fact that he had experienced something in the temple was obvious. They must have watched him in the days following to see what would happen since they suspected he had seen a vision. Just what did Zechariah see?

When God speaks to us, our lives change. We begin to live out of new hope and promise, and others are able to see it. We may not be able to properly communicate what God has placed inside us, but people notice the difference. In fact, it is often a good thing not to reveal the promise God has placed inside us. Simply believing God to fulfill it and working toward that goal is all that He requires. Zechariah did not need to tell anyone what God had told him in secret. God would do the work, and everyone would know it was from Him.

God did not require anything more from Zechariah. When his days of ministry were complete, he simply went back home. God was at work. He would bring about His promise to Zechariah throughout the course of his ordinary life and bring forth something extraordinary. Zechariah was silent, people were watching, and God was performing a miracle in front of their eyes. There would be no doubt that Zechariah’s son was both a miracle and a child of great purpose. John the Baptist would lead many to repentance and point the way to Jesus, the Messiah, as He began His earthly ministry.

People see the hand of God in our lives from the change they see in us. Changing our course means nothing unless it comes from a heart that has been changed. Otherwise, a change in course is nothing more than an attempt at a new formula for success. Zechariah went back home to his ordinary life a changed individual, and from that change came a son. Don’t ask God for a change in your situation; ask for a change in your heart. Ask Him to reveal the plans He has for you, and follow that plan, even if you can’t properly communicate it to others. Hold on to God’s promises, knowing He is at work in you.

Have a blessed day!

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