Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 2, 2015

Read Leviticus 10:1-2. TEXT: And there appeared to him
(Zechariah) an angel of the Lord standing on the right
side of the altar of incense (Luke 1:11).

Advent devos 2015Zechariah is on cloud nine as he steps
into the temple. Yet as awesome and splendid as the
temple itself is, Zechariah sees something few priests
before him ever saw when they stood inside the temple.
Beside the altar of incense is a glorious angel of the Lord.
Standing in the presence of the holy angel he feels his
deep guilt and uncleanness. Terror fills his heart.

Maybe you have had a moment like that--a moment of
incredible guilt and remorse, exposed to your friends and
family. Zechariah is trembling in terror, wondering if this
moment will be his last. The shepherds will have this
exact same reaction on Christmas night when another
angel bursts through the darkness of night to announce
the birth of God's Son, the Christ.

In the same way, the thought of stepping through the
door into God's presence in heaven at the end of our life
is exhilarating--exhilarating, that is, until we stop and
realize our sinful guilt. Not a single one of us is worthy
on our own account to stand before our holy God.

But that is precisely why God sent His Son that first
Christmas: to take away our sin and make us worthy to
stand before Him throughout eternity.

THE PRAYER:

Lord God, it is a frightening thing for a sinner to come
into the presence of a holy angel--even more to stand
before You. Thank You for sending Jesus to take away
the sin of the world. Grant me faith that I may stand
before You in righteousness and holiness all my days--
and especially on that great day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 2, 2015)

Read Revelation 4:1-11. TEXT: And the whole multitude of
the people were praying outside at the hour of
incense (Luke 1:10).

Advent devos 2015When I was a boy, my brothers and I
were mesmerized by the pomp and ceremony of church.
We memorized each step of the acolyte, dreaming of the
day we would wear those robes and carry that burning taper.
We'd pause and make a deep, solemn bow in reverence
before God's altar, then step up into the chancel to light the
gleaming candelabra, standing on either side of the altar.

After the service we rushed home to play "church." We put
on our housecoats and scarves and set up a little table as
the altar. One brother played organist on our little chord
organ, and my other brother and I played acolyte and pastor.

I wonder if Zechariah did the same when he was a little boy.
Did he go up to the temple with his family and stand at the
gate, watching the priests dressed in their fancy robes,
walking around with great somber steps, offering the
sacrifices? Did he watch the priest step through the temple
doors with great pomp and ceremony? Did he pretend he
was that priest, gazing around in awe and amazement at
the glories of God's holy temple?

Finally, the day has come for Zechariah to step into that
holy place. What a wondrous sight awaits him!

One day, you and I will leave this world. Because of Jesus'
birth that first Christmas and the life He lived afterwards--
because of His suffering, death and resurrection--He has
made it possible for us to step into His majestic throne room
and stand in His splendid presence forever.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me worthy to come into
Your presence. Come among Your people today, and
cleanse us from all sin. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 1, 2015)

Read Luke 1:8-10.. TEXT: ... he (Zechariah) was chosen
by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense
(Luke 1:9b).

Life holds out many high honors for which we can strive.
Students work hard to be part of the National Honor
Society or class valedictorian. Athletes work hard to win
championships and be named the most valuable player.
But sometimes the honor of a lifetime simply falls upon
us at some unanticipated moment.

For Zechariah the priest, there is no higher honor than
being chosen to burnincense in the temple of the Lord. It
is the honor of a lifetime. While the people of God remain
outside, praying in the temple courts, Zechariah will pass
through the temple doors alone. Once inside, he will burn
incense on the altar of incense that stands before the
ornate temple curtain.

Even though God had withheld the honor and joy of
children from Zechariah, He richly blesses the priest with
this joyous experience.

Perhaps this last day of November finds you waiting for
your life's dreams to come true. While that may be the case,
be sure to appreciate the other things God sets before you
today: the joy of family and friends, the beautiful decorations
of this season, a joyous party.

The same is true of this coming Christmas. It may seem
diminished in your eyes because you'll be away from home
for the first time or your home or table will be empty, or
you'll be separated from friends or loved ones. But don't
fail to see the amazing and wonderful things God is doing
each day.

THE PRAYER:

Holy Father, thank You for providing all of my needs of
body and spirit. Teach me to rejoice and give thanks for
every joy in life--even those that don't seem as great as
the ones I might be anticipating. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
November 30, 2015)