And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Luke 1:11
Dear Church and Friends,
A beautiful picture of prayer is painted for us by Luke. This is the story of Zachariah, when he is told of John’s upcoming birth. The word “incense” is repeated several times and points to the elements of prayer. We know that the incense represents prayer, (Psalm 141:2, Rev. 8:3-4), and because of its placement in the tabernacle and temple it is an essential part of worship.
- First, we have verse 9, “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” A command of the Lord is in place that Zachariah is following. Incense must be burnt before the Lord by him. We too have a command to pray.
- Second, he has come to a specific place to offer the incense. The small altar that stood before the veil which was before the Holy Place where the ark stood is the appointed place of incense. We too have a place to pray.
- Third, we have verse 10, “And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” Notice that the whole multitude was praying. Everyone was on the job. This is an encouragement for us that at the time for incense everyone of us has a responsibility to pray. No shirkers!
- Fourth, we have verse 11, “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.” So at the time of prayer, in the place of prayer, following the command to pray, no one neglecting their duty to pray, the Lord meets Zachariah by the altar of incense.
Let us go for today and pray and meet our Lord by the altar of incense. He’s standing there waiting for us to attend. Go forth!
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Music: Ain’t No Grave by Jamie Wilson.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for the following.
- Freeda Profit, the wife of a friend of Bill Lyons, had a stroke. Please pray for her healing.
- Gary Wilson, NAMB Missionary to Crittenden, KY. “Back in September 2019, I learned cancer had returned in my left ureter. I endured chemo treatments for four months, which finished January 6, 2020. I had surgery to remove my left kidney, ureter and part of my bladder February 6, 2020. I ended up back in the hospital due to a partially collapsed lung and then again for fluid around my heart. This forced me into retirement. I am at home still pastoring part time, but dealing with the side effects of chemo treatments and major surgery. The neuropathy is terrible. Please pray for healing and provision.”
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Question 99: How many Gods are there?
Answer: Only one eternal God, Maker of all things.
Question 100: Why then do we name God thrice here?
Answer: Because there are three distinct persons in the Godhead.
All my best.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
Luke 1:10
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