Covered and Consecrated
And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Luke 1: 23-25
Zechariah and Elizabeth had now received word and confirmation of her pregnancy. Zechariah was mute, and unable to speak, he would make hand gestures to his wife and friends, but it was not translating in the manner he wished. Elizabeth was now pregnant, and understood the heaviness and weight of glory she was carrying. She understood the honor that is was for her to carry this child. She knew it was an honor to have a child late in life. She also knew it would be her honor towards the Lord that would see this entire situation through. After all, John would need parents to disciple him and raise him in the truth and ways of the Lord. He was consecrated, as were his parents.
Consecrated
It’s interesting that both Zechariah and Elizabeth went off the grid for a season. I see this truth and see the empowering deliverance it gives us. There are times where God is preparing us for the season ahead. There are also times when the Lord has delivered such wonderful news, that it is overwhelming. Zechariah and Elizabeth chose to seek the Lord and praise Him in the way they knew best, after receiving such news. There are times we must consecrate our time and ourselves exclusively to the Lord. For me, fasting is such a time where I withdraw from the crowds so to speak. I want to hear from the Lord and feel His presence. I don’t want to recklessly steward the word He will have for me. Therefore, there is a time for drawing away from he crowds.
It is equally important to note that Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John were consecrated for the Lord’s work and purposes. God was not simply a weekly routine or a means to an end. God was their LIFE. Their consecration was based upon the One they were consecrated too. We are all called to live such a devoted and consecrated life. We are not of this world, although we live in this world. We are children of God. This is not our home, therefore, this world does not direct our hearts. Their lives show us the importance of being set apart in totality for God to use us in any way He sees fit. When we are consecrated to Him, there is no other voice of influence nor purpose that can direct or define us. Consecrate yourself to Him.
Covered
This passage shows the blessed covering that these three would reside under. Since they were consecrated to the Lord, they had a covering that would empower them to walk this journey. That is the blessing of being God’s and only His. To only be available to Him for His purposes is the desire He has for our lives. I want to encourage you that as you consecrate yourself to God, allow yourself to be empowered by the covering that is yours, made available to you through the redemptive and reconciling blood of Christ.
God is faithful, in that when He calls us to something, He does not abandon us. I see many orphans in this world. Seeking identity and purpose in things this world, that can only be sustained by the tortuous rat race of this world. God is a Faithful Father. He will show up for you. What He calls you to, He will see you though. He will not leave you waiting for a ride. He will not leave you hungry. And He will not abandon you. The Father is safe. Lean into your faithful Father today. He is waiting for you.
Nate Staton 