December 7th - Reflection

Luke 1:5-17 (NRSV)
The messenger in the temple
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Reflection
The choice of the priest that was given the opportunity to offer incense was chosen by lot. It was by chance. The tribe of Levi had twenty-four divisions. Each division has priestly duties at the Temple for two weeks in the year. The incense was offered twice daily. This opportunity was an honor that may only happen once in a lifetime.

When Zechariah witnessed the angel and the message, a name was given for his new baby. Naming babies was normally the responsibility of the father of the baby. But God took this task, for this baby, John, would be God's responsibility.

We all are given names by our earthly parents. But we are also called and named by God. God calls each one of us to a duty in his kingdom of love and grace. How we respond to this call is of the greatest importance to God. God has taken responsibility for you and me and cares and loves us so much that through the Holy Spirit we are given all we need to fulfill the call God gives.

So go forth called and named by God in bold service of love for God and one another. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, when I come to you and work in this temple you have provided, I listen for you call and your request. You are my Father after all, and I love you. Show me the temple service you would have me to perform that I may show all the world the love you have to give... today... tomorrow... and forever. Come, Lord Jesus, come. --- Amen