“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.”
Luke 1:11-12
Childless and getting on in years, Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people, observing all the Lord’s commandments blamelessly (v. 6). Zechariah was performing his priestly duties at the temple one day when the angel of the Lord appeared. Gabriel told him God had heard their longtime prayers for a child. But Zechariah just couldn’t believe it could happen. Gabriel didn’t take Zechariah’s disbelief lightly and struck him speechless for the duration of what would be his wife’s pregnancy.
There couldn’t have been a more significant defining moment for this godly couple, and for Zechariah in particular. Shortly after the baby was born, Zechariah’s speech was restored (v. 64), and his first words were of praise to his miracle-working God (vv. 67-79).
For years they may have felt left behind as families around them grew larger with children. But they were not forgotten. The Lord’s timing wasn’t their timing. Many of us know how that feels; we’d like our prayers to be answered our way and right away. God didn’t forget Zechariah, and He will not forget you either.
There couldn’t have been a more significant defining moment for this godly couple, and for Zechariah in particular. Shortly after the baby was born, Zechariah’s speech was restored (v. 64), and his first words were of praise to his miracle-working God (vv. 67-79).
For years they may have felt left behind as families around them grew larger with children. But they were not forgotten. The Lord’s timing wasn’t their timing. Many of us know how that feels; we’d like our prayers to be answered our way and right away. God didn’t forget Zechariah, and He will not forget you either.
Scripture Focus
Luke 1:5-25
Insight
The name Zechariah means “The Lord Remembers.” For him and for us, God is fulfilling His ultimate plans of blessing in our lives, even when we do not see it.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 57-58
- Psalm 99
- Acts 22