Zechariah & Elizabeth

In the opening chapter of Luke we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly faithful couple that are without child. 

One day Zechariah (a priest) enters into the temple and sees a vision – Gabriel the angel delivers him a message – he will have a son who will prepare the way for the Lord – John the Baptist.

But Zechariah doubts and as a result is mute for the next 9 months until the baby is born.

After which he breaks into a beautiful praise of the Lord, prophesying over his son.

It is a wonderful story.

But today I want to focus on two interesting themes that stand out to me when reading this story.

1. They were faultless.

The Bible says that Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful in all they did, that they were blameless in following God’s decrees. Yet up until that point in their lives they not received their desired child.

They clearly wanted a child.

Later in the story we read how Elizabeth feels her shame has now been taken away when her son is born and we also hear from Gabriel the angel how “their prayers had been heard.” 

Doubtless they had been praying and hoping for a child for a long time.

But despite not receiving what they wanted, they remained faithful.

2. The parallel with Hannah

Hannah is the mother of Samuel the prophet in the old testament. And like Elizabeth she was barren until her old age.

But she prayed to the Lord and he heard her prayer and ‘took away her shame.’

Her son Samuel grew up to be prophet in the Lord and eventually anointed King David, the great King of Israel.

Likewise John the Baptist becomes a prophet and “anoints’ Jesus the Son of David by baptising Him in the river.

It is amazing how the Lord uses these faithful women, who despite their age trust in God, and God acts through them carry out His plan.

Conclusion

While the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth may be familiar to you, it is often quickly looked over as a precursor to the main event, and rightly so.

But this faithful couple also has a lot to teach us – showing us how to remain faithful and blameless, praising the Lord and waiting on his promises even when it seems like we are no longer useful – the Lord will work through us if we let Him.

Well that is is for today – come back tomorrow as we discuss another few people in the Christmas story who are often overlooked – Simeon & Anna.

For now, be blessed.

Aaron,

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