IS THERE EMPTY RITUAL OR EXCITING REALITY?

“Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev, when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, to the house of God, to pray before the LORD, and to ask the priests who were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and the prophets, saying, ‘Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?’” (‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭7:1-3‬‬)

Since the fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple 70 years before, the people had a time of weeping and fasting for the judgment they had experienced.  Now, God in His grace, had returned them to the land.  The pressure was off and they wanted to focus their attention elsewhere.

How often we have been guilty of the same!  Difficulties drove us to God, but when they eased, our hearts turned from God.  Remember that sunny September 11, 2001, when the skies turned black from the smoke of jet fuel and ash as the twin towers were brought down by terrorists? Remember that first weekend as churches were filled?  How quickly we have forgotten!

Think about the implications of their questions: they were going through the motions of worship but were bored with it all.  It is like a mother waking a kid on Sunday morning and telling them it’s time to get ready for church.  “Aw, Mom, do I have to?”

Has the fire gone out of your relationship with God?  If it has, should you weep and fast—seeking the Lord—and the rekindling of that flame you once had?  Yes—and urgently!

HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT INSPIRES FERVENCY

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (Luke 1:41-42)  

Elizabeth responds with passion to Mary's miracle message.  She has zeal, joy and enthusiasm!  Yes, it is possible to grow older and not give out!  There is hope for the homestretch that inspires us to "pour it on" as the finish line approaches.

The source of this fervency is that Elizabeth is SPIRIT-FILLED (v.41).  This was deeper than just emotion, although intense feelings were stirred.  Feelings fluctuate like the weather in the mountains.  Emotions ebb and flow like the tides at the beach.  This was the Holy Spirit that ignited this fire of fervency!  Sadly, some of us are lukewarm—a spirit of apathy rather than a Spirit of anointing rests upon us.  We may be headed to the finish line with only cold ashes where once we were on fire for God.  It’s time to stir up the ashes with the poker of Scripture, fan the embers into flame with prayer, and rekindle the flame of love for Christ!

Recall the church at Ephesus?  They were orthodox in doctrine, active in service, and yet there was a serious problem: "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:4-5)

I love the spirit of my wife's old cousin, Lester Crayton.  This preacher is past 90, has had a host of health problems, and pretty much given up for dead.  But he refuses to quit!  The family took his car keys out of concern for him and others.  I could tell he didn't much appreciate it when I visited with him and his sweet wife the other day.  Quickly, our conversation turned to preaching and Bible commentaries, and other dimensions of ministry that he had been incapable of doing for a long time.  Still, you could see the gleam return to his eyes and passion to his voice as we conversed.  Well, the next day, my wife--who works for LifeWay Christian Bookstore---gets a frantic call from his family.  Lester found the car keys and took off!  Marilyn wasn't working that day, but she placed a call and found out he had been in the store and bought a Bible commentary!  There's a man with hope for the homestretch--and a challenge to me.  By the way, Lester got back safely home.

Elizabeth wasn't just Spirit-filled, she was also SET APART (v.42)  Along with Mary, these women were chosen vessels for God to use.  Elizabeth underscores in this verse that Mary was set  apart for a special purpose.  She was blessed to be a blessing—and so are you!  All of us are set apart for a unique plan God has.  Without question, Mary was unique in her Gift to the world, but all of God's children are gifted.  The Lord has saved us and set us apart to serve Him.  His retirement plan is Heaven, and until we cross the finish line, may we keep running!