He was an upright man; a descendant of Aaron; a priest who served the Lord. He and his wife, Elizabeth followed the teachings of Moses and because they were from a priestly family, they served in the temple. They had one desire that would make their lives perfect. They wanted a child to carry on the family name and release Elizabeth from the scorn of being unable to conceive.

Zacharias went into the holiest part of the temple to offer the purification ritual. The offering of incense was a traditional part of the Hebrew instructions regarding the sanctity of the temple. The incense carried a sweet aroma to God, allowing Him a sweet smelling dwelling. It was also done to eliminate the stench of the animal sacrifices.

While he tended to his duties, the Angel of the Lord came to him. This angel had been working overtime lately, but he certainly had something important to say. He told Zacharias not to be afraid. Are you kidding? I wonder how I would react if all of a sudden a heavenly host came to talk to me. I’d be terrified. When Zacharias heard that he’d become a dad, he was stunned.  He didn’t believe a word of it and because of this, he literally became silent for nine months.

We often don’t believe God’s messages to us when they’re out there as plain as day. I pray that I don’t miss the boat because of my stubbornness or ignorance. God’s forgiveness is so simple. All we need to do is ask for it and trust that He always has our best interests in His hands

The prophet said it plainly. The Son of God would come
To be the perfect sacrifice for each and every one.
The words have been fulfilled. The Lamb of God was slain;
Our sins have all been washed away and we have hope again.

KATHY BOECHER©