Luke 1:5-7 During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest assigned service in the regiment of Abijah. His name was Zachariah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Together they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old.
How old is “quite old?” Despite this description, Zachariah is still serving as a priest, indicating that he is less than 50 years of age, the age at which priests must stop serving. The main point here is that both Zachariah and Elizabeth “live honorably before God, keeping the commandments, and enjoying a clear conscience before God.” Elizabeth might be post-menopausal, which would definitely render any pregnancy miraculous.
8-12 It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.
13-15 But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He’ll achieve great stature with God.
15-17 “He’ll drink neither wine nor beer. He’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother’s womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.”
18 Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”
19-20 But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.”
21-22 Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary. When he came out and couldn’t speak, they knew he had seen a vision. He continued speechless and had to use sign language with the people.
23-25 When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said.
When an angel appears to Zachariah while he’s serving in the temple, Zachariah is terrified and then astounded. The angel Gabriel announces that Zachariah and Elizabeth will have a son that will “herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.”
Zachariah returns home to tell Elizabeth, who undoubtedly laughs quietly to herself. But when Elizabeth becomes pregnant, she withdraws for five months, partially to be sure she won’t miscarry.
Why is this story an example of someone yielding their bodies to God as living sacrifices? Consider the response of Zachariah and Elizabeth’s friends and family. While Elizabeth is thrilled, she might also be embarrassed. After all, Elizabeth must be in her 40’s and has responsibilities as a matron. Now where will Elizabeth go for comfort or fellowship? Many of the other mothers are so young that they could be Elizabeth’s daughters; what does she have in common with them? Will people make fun of Elizabeth? At least, Zachariah can bask in the admiration of his fellow priests. After years of shame for not fathering a child, now Zachariah can strut a bit. Of course, there is one small problem: Zachariah has been struck mute until the baby is born and receives the name of John.
Notice something: When the Angel Gabriel meets the Virgin Mary, Mary is given a chance to agree or to refuse. But with Zachariah and Elizabeth, God doesn’t give them a choice but simply a prediction. Why the difference?
Zachariah and Elizabeth are one or two generations older than Mary, and are secure in their faith. God knows that if He orders something, this couple will obey promptly without arguing or questioning. Not only will this couple obey promptly, but they will also obey completely, raising John as a Nazarite, a rather unusual choice for a priestly family and one that might leave John’s parents open to criticism.
As we approach Christmas, we must ask ourselves this: How much of ourselves are we willing to give to God? If God asks us to do something, will we agree and obey swiftly and completely, particularly if we might wind up looking ridiculous? May God help us to be obedient at all times!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be open to Your leading, sensitive to Your Will, and obedient under all circumstances. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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