Day 14: But How?
Today we visit Zechariah and Elizabeth, a faithful couple, both “well advanced” in years. A custom took place every six months that priests were chosen by “lot” to burn incense in the temple. Because of the 24,000 priests, the odds were against them, until this moment recorded in Luke 1:15 where Zechariah would’ve picked a God-given straw for this moment in history. I love how God is in the fine details of our story as we surrender to Him.
“And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.”
The angel assures Zechariah that his prayer has been heard, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” Zechariah, besides being startled and full of fear, also responds in unbelief, asking, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”
Zechariah questioned, “but how?!” his thoughts immediately went to his natural circumstances, resulting in him being made mute by the angel, until the birth of his son, John.
This had obviously been a persistent prayer for them both for many years, particularly with the cultural shame that barrenness would bring. It is easy to imagine that when Zechariah was in the temple and the angel appeared, that he was praying for a child, but his response indicates that it might not have been on his current prayer list. I wonder if and when they stopped praying and decided it was too late?
It has been noted that as Zechariah stood in the temple, he was far more likely to have been praying for his nation and God’s favour on his people.
The point is, whatever Zechariah was praying for that day in the temple, God had taken the decades of prayers that he and Elizabeth had prayed, and their prayers as incense rose and touched heaven.
Be encouraged today that no prayers are wasted. Be encouraged. The Lord has heard your prayers, the Lord has seen your tears, the Lord has heard your questions of “‘how long?”
He is faithful.
Lord, thank you that your word says that You are good to those whose hope is in You, to the one who seeks You; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Teach us to wait quietly, trust, and surrender to your will. Amen.
Reflect and Respond
