4. An angel promises the birth of John to Zechariah
– Luke 1:5-25
Luke 1:6 “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.”
God viewed Elizabeth and Zechariah as upright and honest. They took special care to follow the Lord’s commandments. They did not chose to follow only the commandments because it was easy. They followed God’s commandments to show respect and honor to God no matter how difficult it might have been for them. The word blameless can also mean guiltless. They lived their lives not under the shadow of guilt. They were not separated with God. How great would it be if God looked at you the same way he looked at Elizabeth and Zechariah?
Luke 1:7 “But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.”
Luke 1:25 “… and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Elizabeth and Zechariah wanted to have children. They were upset because it seemed as if they would never have any children. Elizabeth could not physically conceive a child and they had both many years passed child bearing years. Children were seen as a blessing, and bareness was seen as a curse. Children helped provide families with financial security and social status. It was a very hard realization that Elizabeth and Zechariah had accepted. Still, God chose to give them a child despite all odds. God is able to reveal his glory and power in impossible situations. John’s birth was a testimony of God’s power.
Luke 1:11-12 “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the alter of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.”
Although Zechariah followed God’s commandments, he was still afraid when the angel came to him. He was not afraid because he was guilty. He was afraid because he knew of God’s power. He respected and feared God. Still, Zechariah doubted the possibility of having a child. Zechariah is human just like you and me. Even a man of God, had doubts after an angel spoke to him. The angel did not come to Zechariah in a dream but in the temple. Of the 1,000 priests that day was the day he was chosen to burn incense in the temple. God orchestrated all things so that the angel would be able to speak with him. After the angel spoke to him, there was no denying that John had come to do God’s work.
