God's Script

 

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. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and afear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. (Luke 1:5-14 ESV).

 

God always has the last word. Even when it looks as if life has passed us by, God is busy behind the scenes to get us where he wants us. Sometimes God uses even our disappointments, our pain and hurts and failures, to fulfill his plan for our lives. Today Mary and I celebrate over half a century of time together. At the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, she and I exchanged our vows and began this marvelous journey together often filled with surprises, some pleasant and some difficult. I can say with absolute certainty that when I went to A&M in the fall of 1967, I was not looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. Yet, the moment I saw her I knew she was the one I needed to be with. God is like that. While we are focused on our plans, He is working to bring His plan to bear in our lives. I am so glad He does!

 

Our story today in Scripture reminds us of this truth. Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple who had lived close to the Lord all their lives, had one great disappointment. They had no children, and because of their age they realized they would probably die without having a child of their own. Then one day Zechariah got the surprise of his life. While Zechariah was on priest duty at the temple, an angel came to tell him that he and his wife would soon have a child. And this was not to be just any child. Their son would be a special prophet who would announce the coming of the Savior. While Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up the hope of having a child, God was busy behind the scenes preparing the way for the Messiah. They would play a significant role in God’s plan of salvation.

 

The angel’s message to Zechariah was a reminder to him and to all of us that God writes the script for our lives. God still has a plan, and he wants to use each one of us. And God still has the last word. I am indescribably glad His script for me included this wonderful life with Mary, our children and grandchildren, and all the opportunities of a life of joy and hope! He is doing the same for you… trust Him! Happy Anniversary, Mary!