Read Luke 1:5 – 25

AN ANGEL PROMISES THE BIRTH OF JOHN TO ZECHARIAH
A Jewish priest was a minister of God who worked at the Temple managing its upkeep, teaching the people the Scriptures, and directing the worship services. At this time there were about 20,000 priests throughout the country; far too many to minister at the same time. Therefore, the priest were divided into 24 separate groups of about 1,000 in each group.
Zechariah was a member of the Abijah division, on duty at this time. Each morning a priest was to enter the Holy place and burn incense. Lots were cast to see who would enter the sanctuary, and the lot fell on Zechariah. But it was not by chance Zechariah was on duty and that he was chosen that day to enter the holy place. God was guiding the events of history to prepare the way for Jesus to come to earth.
Zechariah and Elizabeth didn’t merely go through the motions in following God’s laws; they backed up their outward compliance with inward obedience. Unlike the religious leaders whom Jesus called “hypocrites,” Zechariah and Elizabeth did not stop with the letter of the law. Their obedience was from the heart.
Incense was burned in the Temple twice daily. When the people saw the smoke from the burning incense, they prayed. The smoke drifting heavenward symbolized their ascending prayers to God.
Angels are spirit beings who live in God’s presence and do His will. Here, Gabriel delivers a special message to Zechariah. This was not a dream or a vision. The angel appeared in visible form and spoke audible words.
While burning incense on the altar, Zechariah was also praying, perhaps for a son or for the coming of the Messiah. In either case, his prayer was answered. He would soon have a son, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. God answers prayer in His own way and in His own time. Zechariah had an impossible situation – his wife was barren – to bring about the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. If you want to have your prayers answered, you must be open to what God can do in impossible situations. And you must wait for God to work in His way, in His time.
The name “John” means “the Lord is gracious.” The name was prescribed by God, not chosen by human parents. Throughout the Gospels, God acts graciously and saves His people. He will not withhold salvation from anyone who sincerely comes to Him.
John was to be set apart for special service to God. He was forbidden to drink wine and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
John’s role was to be almost identical to that of an Old Testament prophet: to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God.
In preparing people for the Messiah’s arrival, John would seek to take stony hearts and exchange them for heats that were soft, pliable, trusting, and open to change. Are you open to God as you should be? Or do you need a change of heart?
When told he would have a son, Zechariah doubted the angel’s word. From Zechariah’s human perspective, his doubts were understandable. Although Zechariah and Elizabeth were past the age of childbearing, God gave them a child. It is easy to misunderstand or doubt what God wants to do in your life. Even God’s people sometimes make the mistake of trusting their intellect or experience rather than God. When you are tempted to think that one of God’s promises is impossible, remember His work throughout history. God’s power is not confined by narrow perspective or bound by human limitations. Trust Him completely.
Zechariah thought it incredible that he and his wife, in their old age, could conceive a child. But what God promises, He delivers. And God delivers on time. You can have complete confidence that God will keep His promises. Their fulfillment may not be the next day, but they will be at the proper time. If you are waiting for God to answer some request or to fill some need, remain patient. No matter how impossible God’s promises may seem, what He has said in His Word will come true at the right time.