This episode looks at Luke 1:26, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth.” We are reminded once again that God cares about the little guy. May we not think we have value in ourselves to merit God’s favor, and instead live in light of the truth that the all-valuable one gives us value.

This episode looks at Luke 1:25, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” God does not stand far off and look down on us lowly people. He draws near to us when we are in need, and he is always kindly working for our good.

This episode looks at Luke 1:24, “After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying,” We have a God who keeps his promises despite our doubts. We also need help from God in how best to serve others like Elizabeth did in concealing her pregnancy, and we need eyes to rejoice not only in the big markers of God’s faithfulness but in his gradual goodness as well.

This episode looks at Luke 1:23, “And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.” Though he fell into doubts about God’s faithfulness, Zechariah continued serving God. We need help to persevere through doubt and to continue fellowshipping with other believers, reading Scripture, and praying. May God do this for us in our lives.

This episode looks at Luke 1:22, “And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.” Zechariah’s unbelief kept him from proclaiming the joyful prophecy God had given to him. That, in turn, kept others from rejoicing in hope. May our own doubts not hinder us from bringing joy to others.

This episode looks at Luke 1:21, “And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple.” God gives the people incredible grace to have patience as they wait on Zechariah to come from the temple, and additionally to wait upon God in the midst of their oppression by Rome. May God give us the same patience in our trials, and also the same wonder when we see small signs of God potentially working.

This episode looks at Luke 1:20, “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” Zechariah asked for a sign, and the sign was that he would not be able to speak until God had brought his promises to pass. Francois Lambert helpfully comments about the dangers of mixing a heart of doubt with God’s truth. In reality, that is mixing lies with truth. We need God’s help to not mix lies of doubt with his truth in Scripture.

This episode looks at Luke 1:19, “And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” We need help believing that our God can do all things. When he gives us a message in his word, or when we start seeing answers to our prayers, we should not doubt God’s ability to keep his promises or attribute his working to random happenstance. Instead, we ask for hearts to believe his message and to know the power of the message-giver.

This episode looks at Luke 1:18, “And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Zechariah responds to the angel answering his prayer with doubt and unbelief. With years of God’s faithfulness to look at (i.e. Abraham/Sarah, Hannah), Zechariah still doesn’t believe. May we dive deep into Scripture and Christian history as opportunities to strengthen our own faith in the face of present suffering or trials.

This episode looks at Luke 1:17, “and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” John went before God to prepare people for his coming in Christ. We now carry this message of hope and repentance to others before Christ’s second coming. May God prepare our hearts to be that kind of people.