A Pattern of Faithfulness

“Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division . . .” Luke 1:8 NASB

From our perspective, we realize that this probably was the most important day of his life. When an angel would appear, announcing that he had been specially chosen, that he and his wife would have a son who would be the forerunner of the Messiah.

But to Zechariah this day began like any other. A day when he went about the tasks to which he had been called, with no thought that anything monumental might take place.

In fact, this is a pattern that we see throughout the lives of people directly involved with the birth of Jesus. How so many key people, like Zechariah, simply were doing their duty. Being faithful.

This certainly was the case with Mary, who sovereignly was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and then declared that she was willing to do whatever He called her to do. It was true of Joseph who was willing to trust and obey God.

This was true of the shepherds who simply were being faithful when they were visited by angels and told that Jesus had been born. This was true of Simeon, a “righteous and devout” man who did not know what he would see when he came to the temple, but was privileged to hold baby Jesus. This was true of Anna, who was keeping her lifelong commitment to serve and worship God when she was given the privilege of seeing the baby Jesus.

The record of these people demonstrates how much God values those who are faithful. They may not attract headlines or be considered celebrities. But these are the people whom He honors.

We never can know for sure when God might speak. When closed doors might open. When our prayers might be answered. Our task is to stay faithful. All the time, every day.

Prayer: Father, help me to be faithful to complete the tasks to which You have called me. I commit my life to serving You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.