The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, October 2, 2021

A Multitude Praying - Luke 1:10

The beloved physician Luke wrote how, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord”, and in chapter one and verse ten of his book Luke shares how, “the whole multitude of the people were praying”, where we read:

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

The verse reads, “And the whole multitude of the people ...” Luke began with the words, “And the whole multitude” or “and each, every, all and everyone of the great number, bundle, company, throng and populace” “of the people” which means “pertaining to the human beings both male and female”. Luke shared how there was a “large crowd” assembled when Zacharias entered the “temple” area.

The verse continues, “... were praying without at the time of incense.” Luke added the words, “were praying without” which means “the whole multitude was supplicating, worshiping and making orations to God outside of the temple” “at the time of incense” or “during the certain moment and point of time pertaining to the burning of the fragrant powder within the temple”. Luke shared how a “large crowd” gathered outside of the temple were “praying” as the “incense” was being offered up by Zacharias.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn of many other people being involved in this special duty of Zacharias. Though Zacharias was chosen to “offer burning incense” as a symbol of prayer, others were gathered outside of the temple to pray with him as well. God loves to have people involved in His Kingdom, and when they yield their lives to His Son Jesus to be their personal “Savior and Lord”, He allows them to “serve” in whatever capacity they may. One of the greatest ministries within God's church is “prayer”, and this “assembled multitude” were fulfilling that function well.

Next time Luke shares how, “there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Zacharias to Burn Incense - Luke 1:9

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, ...”, and in chapter one and verse nine of his book Luke added how Zacharias was, “to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord”, where we read:

According to the custom of the priest's office,

his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

The verse reads, “According to the custom of the priest's office, ...” Luke began with the words, “According to the custom” or “through out, toward and along the manner and usage prescribed by law, the institute, prescription and rite” “of the priest's office” which means “pertaining to the sacerdotal function which was performed by the priesthood”. Luke shared how Zacharias performed his “priestly” duties in the manner which was “prescribed” by the “law”.

The verse goes one to say, “... his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” Luke continued with the words, “his lot” which means “Zacharias' divine allotment” “was to burn incense” or “to offer aromatic fumes or fumigate” “when he went into the temple” which means “at the time and moment Zacharias appeared, arose and entered the sacred worship place consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies” “of the Lord” or “belonging to the One to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah”. Luke shared how Zacharias' duty within the Lord's “temple” was to offer up burning incense.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn more of the “responsibility” of Zacharias the priest. The “priests” who were chosen to serve in the “temple” were selected among a group of priests who were available to perform certain functions within it. Zacharias was chosen to “burn incense” in the temple area which was a symbol of “prayers” being offered up to God for himself and the people. This was Zacharias' opportunity to serve the Lord in a manner that was honorable for Him. God's desire is for everyone to be in a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and when they submit their lives to Him, they will be able to “serve” in His Kingdom according to His purposes and plans. Those who are wise will yield their lives to Jesus and enjoy their “lot” provided by God.

Next time Luke shares how, “the whole multitude of the people were praying”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Zacharias Executing the Priest's Office - Luke 1:8

The Beloved Physician Luke wrote, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years”, and in chapter one and verse eight of his book Luke shares how, “Zacharias” “executed the priest's office before God”, where we read:

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

The verse reads, “And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God ...” Luke began with the words, “And it came to pass” or “and it happened and came into existence”, “that while he executed the priest's office” which means “that during the time when Zacharias performed, discharged and busied himself in the sacred duties of the priest” “before God” or “in front of and in the presence of the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Luke referred to the time when “Zacharias” performed his “priestly sacred duties” in the presence of God.

The verse goes on to say, “... in the order of his course,” Luke continued with the words, “in the order” which means “within the arrangement and right condition” “of his course” or “pertaining to Zacharias' service which was limited to a stated series of days”. Luke shared how “Zacharias” performed his “sacred priestly duties” “within the right arrangement” of time to serve.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how “Zacharias” performed his “sacred priestly duties” even as they were prescribed for him to fulfill. Though “Zacharias” did not have offspring that would carry on his name, he fulfilled that which the Lord God commissioned him to do. In other words, “Zacharias” did not allow his disappointing condition to stop him from serving the Lord. “Zacharias” becomes an example of the way we are to “serve” the Lord even when we have an area of “barrenness” in our lives. God the Father placed “Zacharias” in the position in which he served, and because “Zacharias” and his wife “Elisabeth” were “righteous” and served the Lord even when they lived without their desire, God will honor them. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they submit their lives to Him, regardless of things which are absent in their lives, He not only acknowledges them, but will also use them greatly in His Kingdom.

Next time Luke shares how Zacharias was, “to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Barren Elisabeth - Luke 1:7

Luke the physician wrote, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless”, and in chapter one and verse seven of his book Luke shares how, “Zacharias” and “Elisabeth” “had no child, because Elisabeth was barren”, where we read:

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren,

and they both were now well stricken in years.

The verse reads, “And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, ...” Luke began with the words, “And they had no child” or “and Zacharias and Elisabeth did not have any offspring or children”, “because that Elisabeth was barren” which means “since and on account that Elisabeth whose name means oath of God was sterile and unable to conceive a child”. Luke shared how “Zacharias and Elisabeth” did not have any children because “Elisabeth” was “sterile and unable to conceive a child”.

The verse continues, “... and they both were now well stricken in years.” Luke added the words, “and they both were now” which means “and Zacharias and Elisabeth were at this time” “well stricken in years” or “of great age, advance in years and unable to go farther in their lives”. Luke shared how both “Zacharias and Elisabeth” were old and past the prime of their lives.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn that “Zacharias and Elisabeth” were older people who were past the time of having children. The time of “fruitfulness” had passed, and neither of them believed they would have children in their lives. God will do a miracle for them, and because they lived “righteous lives” even while they “lacked for children”, God honored them to be the parents of a major figure in the plan for the salvation of mankind. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and as these events unfold, perhaps we will identify with the “barrenness” of “Elisabeth” for some area in our lives. During this time we should continue to be “righteous” before God, and allow Him to decide how He wants to use us as we commit ourselves to His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Luke shares how Zacharias, “executed the priest's office before God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Righteous Zacharias and Elisabeth - Luke 1:6

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth”, and in chapter one and verse six of his book Luke shares how “Zacharias and Elisabeth” were “righteous before God”, where we read:

And they were both righteous before God,

walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

The verse reads, “And they were both righteous before God, ...” Luke began with the words, “And they were both righteous” or “and Zacharias and Elisabeth observed divine laws, were upright, virtuous and kept the law” “before God” which means “in front of and in the presence of the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Luke shared how both “Zacharias” and his wife “Elisabeth” were “upright and virtuous” in the presence of God .

The verse goes on to say “... walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” Luke continued with the words, “walking” which means “leading, carrying, pursuing and continuing” “in all the commandments” or “in each, every, the whole and everyone of the orders, charges, precepts and injunctions” “and ordinances” which means “the judicial decisions, sentences, what is deemed right and the righteous acts or deeds” “of the Lord” or “pertaining to the one to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah” “blameless” which means “deserving no censure and free from fault or defect”. Luke shared how “Zacharias and Elisabeth” lived according to the “laws and ways” of God and were “free from fault or defect” concerning them.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the character of “Zacharias and Elisabeth”. Not only were they in positions of “spiritual authority”, but they lived in a manner that was in keeping with their “profession”. “Zacharias and Elisabeth” were wonderful examples of people who “kept” God's law, and their way of life was without “fault or defect” as they lived among people. God chose these people to be a part of His plan for a “Savior” to be born into the world. We shall learn more of their Godly purpose, but for now let it suffice us to see them as prime examples of people who have devoted themselves to God the Father and were chosen by Him to fulfill His plan of salvation for mankind.

Next time Luke shares how, “Zacharias” and “Elizabeth” “had no child, because Elisabeth was barren”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Zacharias and Elisabeth - Luke 1:5

The beloved physician Luke wrote, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto you in order, most excellent Theophilus, That you might know the certainty of those things, wherein you have been instructed”, and in chapter one and verse five of his book Luke shares about, “Zacharias and Elisabeth”, where we read:

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias,

of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

The verse reads, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, ...” Luke began with the words, “there was in the days” or “there arose and appeared during the time” “of Herod” which means “belonging to Herod whose name means heroic”, “the king” or “the leader of the people, prince, commander and lord of the land” “of Judaea” which refers to “the southern portion of Palestine lying on this side of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, to distinguish it from Samaria, Galilee, Peraea and Idumaea”, “a certain priest” which means “a particular one who offered sacrifices and in general is busied with sacred rites” “named Zacharias” or “reckoned and accounted as Zacharias whose name means remembered of Jehovah”. Luke referred to the time when “Herod” ruled and “Zacharias” was a particular “priest” .

The verse continues, “... of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.” Luke added the words, “of the course of Abia” which means “pertaining to a service limited of priests for a week at a time to perform the duties of the priestly office which belonged to the head of a priestly family from the time when David divided the priests into twenty-four classes. Abia was the eighth order and his name was Abijah which means my father is Jah or Jehovah”: “and his wife” or “and the priest Zacharias' female spouse” “was of the daughters of Aaron” which means “belonged to the female children of Aaron whose name was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel and head of the whole priestly order whose name means light-bringer”, “and her name was Elisabeth” or “and Zacharias' wife's name was Elisabeth which means oath of God”. Luke shared how “Zacharias” belonged to the “eighth order”of the “priests” and was married to “Elisabeth” who was from the lineage of “Aaron” who was the first high priest.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn the timing for the events he will unfold. “Herod” the great was Idumean and a decedent of Esau. He was known as “Herod the Great” because of his “magnificent building projects” and was “appointed King of Judaea by the Roman senate through the suggestion of Mark Anthony”. He was “shrewd, cunning and cruel”, and because he was small in stature, he was paranoid that someone would depose him. “He executed his wife and many of his sons because he believed they were plotting against him”. “Zacharias”, on the other hand, was married to “Elisabeth” who was from the lineage of “Aaron” who was Moses' brother and the first “high priest”. “Zacharias” was chosen to serve in the temple area because he belonged to the “eighth” out of “twenty-four orders” to perform the duties of the priest. All these people were significant in the story leading up to Jesus' birth, and as we learn of them, we shall see how God the Father ordered the timing, events and people to bring forth His Son Jesus to be the “Savior of the world”.

Next time Luke shares how, “Zacharias” and “Elizabeth” “were both righteous before God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.