Chosen in Birth

Do you know that every human birth is of immeasurably importance to God? Psalms 139:16 says, “…your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” When it comes to doubting God’s work and moving in one’s life, people of Old Testament, New Testament have in common. No matter how deep our spirituality is, we always find it difficult to believe God’s working in our lives.

Zechariah, an elderly priest, is chosen by lot to enter the inner sanctuary of the Temple and minister at the altar of incense when he is confronted by the archangel Gabriel. The angel announces that, despite her advanced aged Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth is to bear him a son whose name will be John. A promise was also given that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth, and that his mission is to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah, despite his deep spirituality, finds this difficult to believe and expresses his doubt to the angel.

Although the circumstances surrounding John’s birth were somewhat unusual, every human birth is of immense importance to God. God has no favorites. He was as interested in your birth as He was in John’s. Do you still doubt that? Then continue reading this article.

John was the last of the Old Testament prophets, and his name, “God is gracious”, had special significance, indicating that a new age was dawning in Israel – the age of grace. The archangel Gabriel promised Zechariah that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth, and that he would turn many to God. John’s ministry and conduct show quite clearly that this promise was abundantly fulfilled, as under the Spirit’s direction he calls huge numbers of Israel’s population to repentance and baptism in water. John prefers the life of an ascetic and makes his abode in the desert. He is powerful in preaching. He addresses his hearers in strong and forthright language and insists on them showing the evidence for their repentance by being baptized in the Jordan and in their changed lives. His main message to Israel is that they must not trust in their nation’s relationship with God for salvation, but that they must personally take their place before Him in genuine humility and repentance. He promises them that when the Messiah comes, He will baptize with heavenly fire. There can be little doubt that obedience was the key to John’s spiritual greatness. It is the key to your spiritual success also. Is there an area in your life where you have not obeyed? Then put things right today.

If we want to make our calling and election sure, that is, if we want to know for certain that we are among the elect, then we should look into our lives to make certain that we possess in increasing measure faith, goodness, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. A changed life is the best evidence that we are heading for heaven. But first, will you make that step of faith making Jesus your own personal Lord and Savior? Will you do that today?