An Amazing Act of Obedience

Scripture: Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Luke 1:62-63

Observation: Zechariah has been struck mute due to his questioning of God's ability to give him a son. Now when that son is born and Elizabeth is stating his name to be John, Zechariah declares the same. He names his son something that is not part of their family and therefore not aligned to Jewish norms, but instead in compliance with the instructions of the Lord.

However, why is everyone "amazed"? There is nothing about the name or the act of writing that is amazing. Instead, the amazement comes from Zechariah's faithful compliance. There is a reason John is to be the name, and that reason is ... God said so. Zechariah is submitting to that wish of the Lord, declaring that the only child he will ever have will not be named after himself or in any manner that honors he or his family, but instead will be named whatever God decided. The amazing act, then, is doing what the Lord has instructed, even when doing so seems contradictory to personal goals, pride, and tradition. This is called obedience.

Application: As a believer, I often desire to be obedient to the Lord, however I wonder if I even really know what that looks like. True obedience seems to be more than just doing what God wants you to do. Rather, it would seem to involve doing that thing when it is contrary to another alternative act that is more expected ... and more aligned to worldly norms.

While I strive to be a good person, certainly so much of what I do is 'common' to the practices of the world. And God doesn't act us to be weird. However, I wonder where is may be telling to act or behave or plan in a way that is not aligned to the standards of the worldly culture around me. Am I missing it? Or am I waiting for it?

Simple obedience is amazing in the context of worldly expectations. I'd like to be strong enough to amaze some people.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to always listen to your guidance and to be obedient to your word, instructions, precepts, and commands. May I be obedient even in the things that run contrary to the world around me, for I am not a citizen of this world, just a resident alien waiting to be called home. I thank you again for the joys and blessing of this life, knowing that I cannot possibly deserve them, but that you have provided them all. May nothing in my life ever interfere with my obedience to you. Amen.