Wednesday 18 December 2024
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John." (v. 13)
Background
In the opening words of our reading for today we find echoes of the situation of Abraham and Sara, who God gave a child when they were of older years and had not had any children (Genesis 17:15-22).
Zechariah and Elizabeth were seen as a righteous and faithful couple, both from good family backgrounds and reliable heritage. It would be difficult for people of their society to understand why such a couple did not have children.
As someone from the family line of Aaron, Zechariah was automatically a priest. As there were many priests, they were divided into 12 divisions each looking after one month of Temple worship. Within that division, lots were drawn to decide which priest would serve in the Temple for what sacrifice at what time. It was only for the high feasts such as Passover that all the priests came together.
As one of the possible reasons for divorce for a Jewish man was no children, Zachariah must have faced a dilemma every day of his life. His priestly role brought him into the very presence of God where his prayers might be heard most clearly.
In this situation Zachariah is visited by an angel who tells him that he will be a father to a son borne by Elizabeth.
Sara laughed when the angels gave similar news to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-15). Here Zechariah questions God and is struck dumb.
As it was the custom for the presiding priest to come out after the sacrifice and bless the people, all those present were aware that something had happened as Zachariah was unable to speak!
To Ponder:
- When has something not happened that you longed for, dreamed about and, perhaps, even prayed for – even when you thought it would please God?
- What did you do?
Prayer
Lord, we pray for our own dreams and hopes and for those who have hopes and dreams that seem dashed at every turn. Keep us faithful in following you even when the way may seem difficult or even impossible to us. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Una McLean
Una is a retired presbyter living in Northumberland with her small dog Patricia. She enjoys all manner of craft work, reading, theatre, cinema and music. She also participates in Traildog events, which grew out of people running in local park runs with their dogs (today she and Patricia walk them as Una treasures her knees).