Thursday, December 20

ZECHARIAH

Luke 1:5-25; 67-80

Zechariah was a priest before the time of Jesus. Both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, "were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly."

It was Zechariah's turn by the custom of the priesthood, to burn the incense in the temple. The incense was to be burned continuously so it would burn not only today, but also for the generations to come. The burning of incense symbolizes the continual worship and prayer of God's people (Exodus 30:7-8). Zechariah lived this life of prayer. He was called to pray and glorified God. His prayers continued into generations to come. While Zechariah was burning incense, God's people were outside the temple praying. The angel of the Lord, Gabriel, then appeared to Zechariah proclaiming hope for the future generations. This hope would be made available through a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age. "He will be great in the sight of the Lord… and will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth." Zechariah prophesied his "child will be called a prophet of the Most High and will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him."

This child was John the Baptist. He prepared the way for Jesus, just the way his father Zechariah had prophesied. Zechariah also prophesied, that his son John would "give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins." Jesus has already provided this. Jesus will then, "give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

When the angel appeared to Zechariah, he was troubled and became fearful. He was agitated, uncertain, and terrified. He did not believe the message from God, the angel brought him. "…Behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not be able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." God is just and merciful! Zechariah did not speak again for approximately 9 months. Although he was made dumb, he did not let this hinder his obedience to God. He remained upright in the eyes of the Lord. John the Baptist lived as prophesied. Jesus lives today for you and me.

~ Josh Helgert