Let's think about what it means to be a Parent of Promise...
Read this passage and imagine what is happening as you read.
Luke 1:5-13
5 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.
6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.
7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.
13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
I don't know how you feel about it, but I am passionate about being a Husband, a Father, and a Papa as much as anything else in life. I love many things....teaching scripture, reading, football, fishing, wines and good food, and love sharing them all with friends; but nothing can grab my heart and turn me towards prayer than being in one or more of those roles above.
A Parent is one thing...a Parent of Promise is another. Zechariah served God and prayed...He prayed for the people...He prayed the prayers of Israel's priests...But He prayed for His wife and He to have a child. Then one day, while serving God in the temple, the angel Gabriel comes to him....and here's the thing:
In a moment of time He hears the words - You are to be a Parent of Promise.
Our children are from God...that may be hard for some of you to believe at this moment of time, but it's true.
Zechariah and Elizabeth lived like we should - waiting, anticipating, hoping for their prayers to be answered. The angel comes to tell Him - "Zechariah, You are not insignificant...and God has been hearing your prayers...and I've come to tell you that all of life has prepared you to become this Parent of Promise..."
He's telling him what each of us need to hear: "You Can Do It".
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