[Zechariah and Elizabeth] were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. —Luke 1:6
When Zechariah returned mute from a business trip with the news they were going to be parents, Elizabeth had been walking in the commands and ordinance of God for a lifetime.
A life of obedience to God when it’s not as difficult is the best preparation for a life of obedience when the real challenges come. Don’t think you can live your own way and then when the big tests come, you’ll suddenly have a heart to obey God. Everyday obedience develops the muscles needed when the going gets tough.
Whether it was marrying a priest, embracing geriatric motherhood, or choosing the name of her child, Elizabeth made a habit of saying “yes” to the Lord. In so doing, she created a legacy for her son, John, to follow.
Because Elizabeth said “yes” to God, even in the face of disappointment, she taught her son to do the same. Even when it meant imprison- ment and execution, John obeyed God, living out his parents’ legacy of devotion to the Lord.
Make it Personal
What message are you sending about who God is with your actions and reactions when life is hard and obedience is costly?