Unexplainable Jesus: 10 Days To Rediscovering The God You Thought You KnewSample

During the reign of King David, there were twenty-four priestly divisions. David set up a system whereby the priests from different divisions would take turns serving at the temple. When it was not their turn, they would return home to their surrounding villages. 

While Zechariah was serving one of his two-week stints in the temple, he was chosen to go into the inner court, or the “Holy Place,” to burn incense. Only priests were allowed to enter this section of the temple. With 16,000 – 20,000 priests in Israel, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The incense was offered in conjunction with the morning and evening sacrifices and hours of prayer. 

At this time in Israel, barrenness was thought to be a punishment from God upon women. Men were allowed to divorce their barren wives in order to preserve their family line. Yet here we have Zechariah faithfully remaining by Elizabeth’s side despite their childlessness, both of them steadfastly serving God despite their sorrow. In the midst of their daily routine, God is ready to sweep in and do the dramatic. 

I can’t help but imagine Zechariah entering the Holy Place with a reverent fear to begin with. This likely could have been his first time inside this hallowed sanctuary. The awe of the presence of the Almighty just beyond the veil in the Holy of Holies must have gripped him with wonder. Usually, the priest would place the incense in the bowls and immediately exit. Not Zechariah. He had a message directly from the Almighty: his prayer has been heard. 

Here, we see the beauty of God. Within the grand story of the great redemption of the earth through the coming Messiah, we also see the tender mercy of God answering a man’s innermost prayer. 

Could it be that Zechariah outwardly prayed for his people and God’s promises to be fulfilled and only inwardly yearned for a child? Yet, God heard this unspoken desire of his heart and in His marvelous way, He answered all prayers through the miraculous birth of one life: John. 

John, whose name means “the Lord is gracious.” 

What does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth teach us about God’s timing? 

What does it mean to you in this moment to be affirmed that God hears your prayer?