Zacharias - A Hesitant Joy

​Zacharias and Elizabeth were the perfect couple. They had been, for many years. Noble and godly, none could find fault with them. He faithfully served the Lord in the Temple and she faithfully served her beloved at home. Their love for each other was a sight to see.

 Just one thing caused a question to tease the mind and that was the fact that they had not been blessed with children. Even one child would have quieted the discontent in their hearts. But after decades of faithful marriage and faithful service to the Lord it appeared that they would pass from this earth without passing on their legacy. What a shame. How sad.

Why, Lord? Why…

The Scriptures said that children are a blessing from Our Creator. A heritage. Their humble home never once sheltered a cradle or rang with a child’s joyful laughter. Barrenness is a bitter pill for most to swallow, but it drove the priest and his dear wife to their knees time and time again.

The hope of a child faded over the years, but it didn’t change their faith in a loving God. His goodness is everlasting, child or no child. They would live faithfully, prayerfully serving His purposes in the life He had given them. Worthy is the Lord!

Life goes on.

Day by day by day.

Routines establish a cadence for every 24 hours. Temple work had set customs and services regularly performed by the priests who were chosen for those tasks by lot. Zacharias‘s lot came one day to serve in the Holy Place. He would be appointed one of three responsibilities: 1. remove the remaining ashes from the golden altar, 2. Prepare and bring in new coals for the time of prayer, or 3. Sprinkle the incense upon the sanctified coals and intercede to the Lord for his people and himself.  Any one was privilege and an honor. But a private audience with the Lord in prayer was truly a once in a lifetime event. It was as close to the heart of God as one could get.

The lot was cast. Zacharias would pray, alone, to God at the Altar of Incense. He would ask The Lord to remember His people and His promises. He would offer up petition for his wife and himself. This would be a day to remember for the rest of his life. 

The incense sizzled and smoked on the hot coals. Zacharias watched as the aromatic cloud rose to Jehovah carrying with it his prayers as he continued the prescribed routine.  Out of the corner of his eye he caught a movement to the right of the altar.  With utter astonishment he found himself face to face with the angel Gabriel. The angel acknowledged Zacharias’s prayer and prophesized about the child who would fulfill the hope and dream of Elizabeth and himself.

Luke 1:14 "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Gabriel promised him joy. Zacharias responded with doubt. Hesitation squelched the joyous news as all of the reasons why this answer was so hard to believe. God’s promise remained, but now Zacharias needed to be silenced until the promise was fulfilled and he could fully respond with joy.

Have you ever been waiting for God to deliver the “good stuff” to you? I mean, you’re not praying for a lottery win or designer house or a spot on American Idol. All you want is what is what you’ve seen the Lord bless others with: healing, comfort, a loving family, a strong marriage. What’s wrong with that? Nothing.

Keep praying.

When it seems that your prayers are nothing but ashes of dreams, keep praying.

If you feel as though you don’t have the faith to prepare your heart and mind to pray, confess it to God, and keep praying.

When you find yourself in sweet communion with the Lord in prayer, praise Him for the privilege and humbly bring your petitions and requests to Him. Know that He hears you. He is for you. More than you can imagine.

Whatever the outcome, press in to God. Above all, desire the Giver more than the gift.

God’s goodness will always be our answered prayer.
​His Presence. His Love. His Peace. His Joy. 

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