Zechariah And Elizabeth

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of division of Abijah.  And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the lord.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.  Now while he was serving as priest before the God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of he priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.  And there appeared to him and angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.  but angel said to him, ” Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,   Luke 1:5-14

Zechariah was a Jewish priest.  A minister of God.  He managed the upkeep of the temple, teaching people the scripture, ad directing worship services.  In this time of history,  there was about 20,000 priests, throughout the country.  This  was too many ministers at the temple at one time.

According to King David’s directions (1 chronicles 24:3-19) the priests were divided into 24 separate groups.  Zechariah was apart of the Abijah group.  Since there was 1,000 priests in this group, they casted lots to see who would enter the Holy of Holies.  Do you see God’s hand in this event?

Zechariah and Elizabeth not only go through the emotions of following God’s law; they also has inward compliance of obedience.  Their obedience was from the heart.  This is why they were called “upright in the sight of God.”  Here are two old people, an old couple. They were beyond child-bearing years.  God sends an angel to send Zechariah a message.  This angel named Gabriel startled Zechariah.

Lets do some imagination thinking!  How would you respond if an angel came and spoke to you?  To be truthful I don’t know how I would respond!  I do think I would be scared and pray to God, asking if this was of him.

Now remember they were an old couple with no children.  the angel Gabriel states that Zechariah’s prayer has been heard.  I wondered if this was a prayer when they were younger and then stopped asking as they got older or was this recent prayer? Or was this a continuous prayer?  Either way a question for when We get to Heaven.  The point here though is God answered their prayer.  They would have a son named John, who would pave the way for the savior.  God worked in an miracles way.

Are you will to pray for what you desire, but let it be God’s way and his timing?

John brought joy and delight to his parents.  Are you willing to wait on God’s perfect timing?

Dear God,

Thank you for you miraculous ways.  Thank you for your timing.  I pray that we will trust you and not be fearful of you ways.  Help us to see your wonderful ways this Christmas!

Amen