Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Annunciation to Zechariah
1 Chronicles: 24: 1 - 19
v19 This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their ancestor Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded him.
Introduction:
The passage for our devotion reveals how the priests of Israel got their turn (appointed order) to perform priestly duties in the Temple.
The first list is believed to be initiated by Aaron the high priest (vs. 1)
King David continued the tradition of appointment with the help of Zadok and Ahimelek (vs. 3) by picking lots, from among the descendants of Eleazar and Edhamar.
According to the Gospel of Luke, Zechariah the priest, the father of John the ‘Baptizer’, was born in the 8th priestly division of Abiya and Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth, was a descendant of Aaron. [Luke 1:5]
Annunciation ‘for us’– biblically this means ‘to be spoken to, by God or, receive an announcement through an angel of God’.
Zechariah the Priest was spoken to by the angel of God while he was performing his priestly duties. [Luke 1:11-20]
Just like Zechariah, we are called by God every day.
We are expected to respond (responsibility) to God’s Voice speaking to us.
As God’s children we have a responsibility to listen and understand what God wants us to do with our lives for His purpose.
Called ‘to Minister’:
‘Did you go for service on Sunday?’ what does this really mean?
Traditionally we believe, that our duty on Sunday is to ‘just go and attend’ the liturgical service in the sanctuary.
The clergy being servants of Christ, are responsible to prepare us the people of God, for ministry/ service in the world.
We need to understand that, the purpose of the liturgical prayers is to prepare us for service in the world through our chosen profession in the world.
We are ‘called to minister to, or serve the community’ in the world [Mark 10:45]
It is believed that since we humans have access to God through Christ, we are the royal priesthood. [1 Peter 2:9; Revelations 5:10]
Annunciation ‘today’:
Each day we make an effort to serve God through the opportunities that are provided for us.
Our profession should be seen as our vocation to serve God. [Vocation meaning - being called (vocally) to serve God].
Since we are baptized, we believe we are called to enter the fellowship of the body of Christ.
We must remember that each one of us are set apart for Godly service;
each day is a chance to listen to God’s voice and serve God’s people;
This responsibility to serve others is not exclusive for the clergy or evangelists only.
PRAYER
Gracious and loving God,
Thank you for reminding us that we are being called each day, to serve your purpose in this world at our work places. Strengthen us and help us, to listen and obey your voice each day, Amen!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“The only way you can serve God is by serving other people” – (Rick Warren)
Geeve Mathew, Jerusalem MTC, Kottayam, Kerala, India.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church