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It feels so wonderful to write the Solution Column again. I have missed writing. It is my hope to begin writing on a regular basis once again. My prayer is that these columns will encourage each of the readers. Recently, I began a series of sermons at Harmony highlighting different characters from the Christmas story. My first sermon in the series was on Zacharias and Elisabeth. This couple plays a significant role in the coming of the Messiah. We can learn so much from their story.

Luke 1:5-6 states, “5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” Zachariah is a priest from the lineage of Aaron, who is the great high priest. Aaron was the brother of Moses. Zachariah’s name is prophetic of what is to come. His name means, “the Lord remembers.” Elizabeth’s name further signifies God’s plan. Her name means “the oath of God.” Once married, their names together mean, “the Lord remembers his oath.” This is exactly what will happen in their lives.

Both Zachariah and Elizabeth are righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments. Scripture says they were blameless. It sounds good so far, but they were not unlike many of us today in our own families. They had no children, and this was a problem. Elizabeth is barren and she and Zachariah are well aged. This would have carried a tremendous weight on them because bareness was thought to be a result of sin. Also, it was a cause for concern because children cared for their parents in their old age. Children were dependent upon financial security. Children were considered a blessing, and childlessness was seen as a curse. 

This seems to be unfair because Zachariah and Elizabeth were both faithful people who kept God’s commands. However, God had promised that they would have a child. This was a promise that seemed to fade with each passing year. About 50 chosen priests made everything ready in the Holy Place, where the most solemn of the day’s ceremonies was to take place – that of offering the incense, which symbolized Israel’s prayers being accepted by God. Again, a lot was taken to decide who was to be honored with this highest act of mediation between God and man.

A priest could perform this task only once in his lifetime; and after that he was to be called “rich”, leaving to his fellow priests the hope that they would be called upon to conduct the ceremony. It was fitting that taking such a lot would be preceded by prayer and confession of their faith on the part of the priests. Zachariah had been chosen to light the incense in the Holy of Holies, and this was divine providence. The people and other priests waited outside while Zachariah performed the task. Luke 1:8-13 says, “And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Gabriel declares to Zachariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son, and they were to name him John. He went on to say this child would make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Zachariah asked Gabriel how this could be since he and his wife were so old. At that moment, Gabriel struck Zachariah with muteness because he doubted the prophecy. When he came out of the temple, the people perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. While studying this passage of scripture, the Lord spoke to my heart. He said, “If I muted all the Christians in the church that truly do not believe, the church would have silent services.” This resonated with me. Oftentimes, I have doubted the Lord for various reasons. In fact, we all have at some point. We must cry unto the Lord, “I believe, but help my unbelief.” 

Zachariah remains mute until after the birth of his son. Luke 1:59-64 proclaims, “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” There’s so much more to this power story, and I encourage you to read it in its entirety. However, from what I have shared in this column, we can know that God’s timing is perfect. He is never early or late. Just trust His plan! Be faithful and do not lose hope, and know God will fulfill His promises. God hears your cries even when you feel disconnected from Him. Don’t allow your age or circumstances to be an excuse for not serving the Lord. Remember, the Christmas story is proof that God has a plan and a promise that He will fulfill. God is FAITHFUL! 

(Brandon Young is the Pastor of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church.)