Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully served the Lord and kept his commands blamelessly. They were also old and childless. They may have prayed for many years to have even one child. When our prayers go unanswered, we can feel discouraged or wonder if God is working. However, the Lord had not forgotten this couple or their prayers.

One day, as Zechariah served in the temple, an angel named Gabriel appeared. He shared the news that Zechariah’s prayer had been heard! God’s timing had come. His wife would bear a son, and his name would be John, which means “God is gracious.” John would be the fulfillment of the prophetic word spoken by Isaiah centuries ago (Isa 40). He would be set apart from youth, filled with the Holy Spirit, and prepare the way for the Messiah. God had a much larger plan for this old couple to be a part of his redemptive work.

Zechariah could not believe this news. Instead of accepting the word of God, he questioned and doubted. As a result, he was rendered silent until the child was born. Elizabeth did indeed become pregnant, and God took away her disgrace.
Application: Father, thank you so much for your greater plan on the earth and preparing the way for the Messiah. We may not understand what you are doing in times of waiting, but you are so faithful to your word. May we believe your word in our hearts.
One Word: Believe the word of the Lord