Serving God

Meditation from Luke 1

Zechariah & Elizabeth and Mary found favour in the sight of God (Luke 1:25,30). The greatest favour that they received is to bring out the one who will prepare the way for the Lord (John) and the One who will prepare the people to enter God’s kingdom (Jesus). In this chapter we can find references to ‘serving God’ which gives us the important elements to truly serve God.

1.      Serving to be a blessing, not for a blessing

Zechariah was serving as priest before God (1:8) and he & his wife were righteous before God and lived blameless according to all the commandments of God (1:6). Though they did to have a child, which in a sense is a deprival of a blessing, that did not stop them from serving God.

Even after receiving John, they rejoiced that he was chosen to serve God (1:76,77).

2.      Serving by submitting to God’s will

Mary surrendered to the will of God – “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (1:38). We cannot truly serve God without submitting to God’s will and by expecting to serve our wish and desire.

3.      Serving with humility and not pride

God’s favour will be on those who serve with humility (1:48) and not with those who are proud (1:51).

4.      Serving in holiness & righteousness

We are rescued by Jesus so that we “might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days” (1:74,75). We cannot serve God without holiness. He who fears God will fear no circumstance and fear no one, for he will walk in holiness & righteousness.

Let us serve God with humility & in holiness, by surrendering to His will, to be a blessing!