When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and fear overwhelmed him.
During the reign of Herod of Judea, the priest Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth who eventually gave birth to a son who came to be known as John the Baptizer, was encountered by an angel of the Lord. Reportedly, it was a terrifying experience which left Zechariah overwhelmed with fear.
Good for Zechariah! He was capable of fear in the face of God. Even if his fear was “awe,” it was a healthy experience. It prepared him to receive a gracious gift of God: a son.
The same would be true for us and our country. In a culture which is increasingly losing its capacity for fear, even awe, in the face of God, a recovery of that capacity would be a great blessing. It would prepare us to receive from God untold blessings. It would bring a remedy to so many of our fears.
The season of Lent is intended as an aid
for such a transformation. Therefore, let us pray:
Mighty Lord, I humble myself
before your gracious hand.
There is plenty to make me fearful,
even grip me in despair at times.
Yet you can lift me up.
You can transform my heart.
You can make me desire
to do your will.
This Lent wake me up,
startle me with your appearance,
transform me
and make me hopeful again.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
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