Made Ready for the Lord | Rev. Paul Lawler
Christ Church Memphis
As we enter the Advent season, Rev. Paul Lawler invites us to reflect on the surprising beginnings of Jesus' story—not with Mary and Joseph but with Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist.
In this message, a vivid picture is painted of the challenges Zechariah and Elizabeth faced—living under Herod's oppressive rule, enduring years of unanswered prayers, and bearing the shame of childlessness. Yet, despite the odds, God was preparing them for something incredible.
Zechariah’s once-in-a-lifetime moment to serve in the temple becomes a powerful backdrop for how God often works in our lives. Even in the silence and uncertainty, He is making us ready for His plans. Zechariah’s prayer at the altar of incense reminds us that, like him, we are called to persist in prayer, trusting that God's timing is perfect.
Zechariah’s story teaches us to trust God's preparation in our lives, even when the waiting is long and the circumstances are challenging. Like John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord, making our lives ready for God's move.
Listen now to be encouraged and challenged to prepare your heart for what God is doing in this season. God often works in the silence and the waiting, preparing us for the greater things to come.
