Surprised by God
Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (Luke 1:8-10, NIV)
There were many priests in Israel. More than enough to serve in the temple. So, they were divided into twenty-four divisions and each of these divisions took their turn, twice each year, to serve in the temple. Even then, many priests never had the privilege of lighting the incense in the Holy Place after the evening sacrifice was made. Lots were cast to determine who was chosen, and it was a common belief that God’s choice was revealed through the casting of the lot.
This particular day the lot fell on Zechariah. This old priest, married to a childless wife, is about to experience one of the greatest opportunities of his life.
I can’t help but wonder if some of the other priests were envious. Some may have wondered why Zechariah was chosen. After all, this childless old man was a misfit. Little did they know that the lot that fell on Zechariah was the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah to his people.
God works in ways we will never fully understand to accomplish his purposes. But one thing is certain, and that is that God’s ways are not our ways.
To recognize God at work, we must look beyond logic and reason, and sometimes even beyond what our belief systems tell us.
Are you prepared to be surprised by God in your life?
In Christ,
Dan
Tis the season for surprises!
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