Be Careful What You Pray For

Scripture – Luke 1:11-17: 11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But 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. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Reflection: I cannot imagine what it would be like to have an angel appear like this. The scene I picture in my mind shows Zechariah alone in the temple. Then he turns around and another person is suddenly there. That would be quite disconcerting.

But the angel was quick to say, “Do not be afraid.” I’ve become very aware this is a common greeting when divinity meets humanity – and for good reason. Often when Christ calls me to a task, it’s a message I need to hear.

In this case, the angel has message for Zechariah. He and Elizabeth will have a son. God will use this son in some powerful, transformational ways. How life can change in a moment. When I say “Yes” to God’s call, I don’t know where it’s going to lead. That’s why it’s usually far easier and safer to say “No.”

“Be careful what you pray for,” is an old saying that still applies. Sometimes God will grant my request in a surprising way. And I realize I’m not quite ready for that. What are you praying for these days? What might happen if God gives you what you’re asking for?