In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. Luke 1:5-6 NIV
For a couple days I want to focus on the character of Zechariah from the Christmas story. Zechariah was a priest. As a pastor and leader, I have a special heart for those that do ministry. Zechariah was a man who strived to live a Godly life. He and his wife, Elizabeth, from all Biblical indications, was a couple committed to doing the will of God in their lives.
In my years of Christian work, I can honestly say there are a certain people who make the most difference in the life of the church and in the Kingdom of God. A church can have many members, but those who really get serious about the Christian experience, and do real ministry, the kind who represent Jesus to the world, are very rare. Perhaps you are one of those people. If so, please accept my thanks and appreciation for giving of yourself to Christ and others.
Maybe someone immediately comes to your mind; someone who is always serving others, not for show or for personal gain, but simply to the glory of God. You may be thinking of a couple or an individual. It may be a pastor or a layperson. Perhaps you should send them a note of thanks this holiday season. They may not even know your name, but they will be encouraged because you took the time to care. Your note may be just what they need to keep going.
The ministry is sometimes a lonely place. Zechariah and Elizabeth surely knew the loneliness and hardship of ministry. This Christmas you can play a part in building up God’s people who serve!
