God’s Promises Never Fail
8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spiritwhile still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”
Luke 1:8-17
THOUGHT
Luke 1:8-17 describes Zechariah’s ongoing experience of hearing God's promise of an offspring. Zechariah started his day as usual, diligently performing his priestly duties, when an angel appeared and announced that he and Elizabeth would have a son. This promise fulfilled their heartfelt prayers and hopes, illustrating that what seems impossible for humans is attainable for God — even giving a child to a barren woman.
God’s work in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s lives shows that His promises always come true. Biology, age, limitations, or human probability do not bind God. His promises never fail because He keeps His Word. When God speaks, creation responds. When He moves, history follows His lead. When God makes a promise, we can fully trust in it.
REFLECTION
Have you ever questioned God's promises or found it hard to see Him at work? During those times, recall the promises made to Zechariah and how God fulfilled them. We should never forget that God is much greater than any limits we think we have. Our focus should be on trusting that God always keeps His Word.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rest in your never-failing promises. When I struggle to find peace in the moment turn my eyes to You and Your promises. Help me to live in the confidence of Your Word and Your promises. Let me trust in Your Word of being faithful generation to generation.
