SILENCE WAS BROKEN
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Zacharias], standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” (Luke 1:11-14)
Zacharias, one of the priests, performed his regular duties, burning incense in the temple, while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:8-1. They waited and marveled that he took so long. When Zacharias came out of the temple, he could not speak. The people supposed he had seen a vision in the temple. Zacharias gestured to them, but he remained speechless (Luke 1:21-22).
What had Zacharias seen? He had seen an angel; the Angel Gabriel had brought him a message from the Lord. Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth, who was beyond the age of childbearing, would become pregnant. God had heard the prayers of this dedicated priest. The Angel Gabriel told Zacharias to name his son John, and at that very moment, 400 years of silence was broken!
As Elizabeth and Zacharias continued to serve God faithfully––obediently walking in all the Lord’s commandments––God’s plans and purposes were being fulfilled in their lives. Not only were they chosen to become the parents of John, they would hold a special part in the story of the Savior’s birth. John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin, and he would herald, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Did you know that God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives? As men and women choose to prayerfully walk with God in obedience, His plans will naturally unfold in their lives.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
~Jeremiah 29:11~
