City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.’”

Luke 1:8-17 ESV

Reflection

Zechariah’s priestly division of Abijah was one of the twenty-four who served, and there were about a thousand priests in each division, so Zechariah had a 1/24,000 chance of being chosen to burn incense in the temple. It was no accident he was chosen for the honor to offer incense in the Lord’s direct presence, God had planned out the whole event.

Before Jesus’ sacrifice (Mark 15:37-38), lots of preparation went into entering the Presence of the Lord, among which Zechariah had to wear bells and a rope in case he passed out or even died in the Lord’s presence. The exact blend of incense was kept a carefully guarded secret, particularly from their pagan neighbors; they did not want their beloved recipe copied and associated with idols. The burning of incense had multiple functions: to hide the scent of the sacrificed animals, cover the Holy of Holies, be a pleasing and acceptable offering to God, and to symbolize Israel’s prayers going up to God. Also the scent would last on the chosen priest for quite some time, inspiring those who were near him that God is with His children.

The angel appeared at the right side of the incense altar, the right side is considered a place of honor in Judaism, use of the right hand symbolized strength and power. Zechariah was afraid, the angels were nothing like the Precious Moments figurines, but something awe-inspiring and taking different forms (Isaiah 6:2, Hebrews 13:2). Also at this point, God had been silent for 400 years.  

In the Nativity, the angel says “do not be afraid” four times to different people: Zechariah, Mary (Luke 1:30), Joseph (Matthew 1:20), and the shepherds (Luke 2:10). Despite being past the age, Zechariah has never stopped praying for a child, and his faith was rewarded greatly. His and Elizabeth’s son will bring joy and delight, just like Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7) and their neighbors, friends, and family will rejoice for the miracle.

The angel declared John would be a Nazarite, and abstinence from alcohol was one of the requirements. Becoming a Nazarite wasn’t necessary in John’s case as he was descended from Aaron who was descended from Levi, and his occupation as a priest was already decided (although he did not serve in the traditional way (Matthew 3:1,4)). Those outside of the tribe of Levi who wanted to serve in the priesthood took the Nazarite vow, which was to abstain from alcohol, haircuts, contact with the dead (including relatives), and live a holy lifestyle (Numbers 6:1-21). Even before birth John was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41-44).

Names had great meaning in Hebrew culture, the name John means in Hebrew “God is gracious.” Zechariah’s son will show the people that God will show grace to all who accept Him. Due to the oppression from the Roman Empire, many of the Israelites had lost hope, or even their faith in God. But it’s always darkest just before the dawn. The angel compared Zechariah’s promised son to the prophet Elijah, he along with Moses were considered the “OG’s” of Judaism. John was going to prepare the path for Jesus the Messiah; he was going to till the soil in people’s hearts to prepare for the planting of the seeds of salvation. The last part of the angel’s prophecy is big news! Not only will Zechariah and Elizabeth have a child in their old age, their child will pave the road for the long-awaited Messiah!

Application

What a statement from the angel! Imagine hoping and praying for something for so long despite thinking it’s too late and being told not only it will happen, but that what will happen is beyond your wildest expectations?

Is this happening in your life? Are you ping-ponging between hoping and praying for a miracle and thinking it’s too late? Keep praying. Maybe what you’re hoping for will come at a later time, God’s timing is perfect. Maybe God will do something so amazing in your life He will leave you speechless (read Paul’s devotional tomorrow, you’ll get the reference!)!

Prayer

                  Dear Lord, what I’m praying for seems impossible, even ludicrous to the world. But I know You are a God of miracles and nothing is impossible for You (Luke 1:37). I have faith You will make the impossible possible. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.