A Chance in a Lifetime
Albert Bogle
November 30, 2021
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Luke 1: 8-10 (NRSVA)
8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense-offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.
It was Zechariah’s big moment. His once in a lifetime experience to take the stage and be the duty priest in the temple. Lots had been drawn and he would be the one who would burn the incense in the holy place. We’re told the scene was set. The people had gathered outside ready to pray. There is a mood of expectancy. There is a sense of duty and order. But there is also a hint that no one was expecting God to turn up. Perhaps not unlike our own experience of worship. So often we go through the motions but we somehow have low expectations of worship. Yet this was Zechariah’s once in a lifetime experience and he was determined to be the best he could be. The old priest does his duty only to discover duty is turned to delight.
I think God understands our lack of expectation, he knows that we are but dust. Yet God is faithful even in our narrow focused vision he has compassion on us. The people were assembled waiting for the priest to appear. When he did their expectation of God turning up had changed. Yet not a word would be spoken.
PRAYER:
Lord,
Thank you for your patience with us
Your kindness and your care
We’re sorry that our faith is full of compromise and excuses
And when you do reprimand us
You do so always with a way out
A way to return home
Thank you for the many chances
You give us in our lifetime
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