It's the chance of a lifetime... no, literally, it was the one time in his life that Zechariah would be given the great privilege of entering the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense inside the Holy of Holies. It was a profoundly important duty shared only by the priests of Israel - that is, descendants of the tribe of Levi. In Zechariah's day, there were about 20,000 Jewish preists in Israel, so being chosen as the one man to offer incense in the morning or evening was like winning God's ceremonial lottery. And ding-ding, we have a winner... this was Zechariah's day!
But while he was in the Holy of Holies, Zechariah got another incredible surprise. Turning around to fulfill his religious duty, he saw Gabriel, one of God's mighty archangels standing beside him, to the right of the Altar of Incense. Naturally, Zechariah was surprised... actually, he was terrified beyond belief at the sight of this powerful angelic being. I wonder... How do you think you and I would respond in that same situation? Usually, the first thing an angel says to people is "do not be afraid". So I think we can safely assume that their very presence is enormously intimidating.
After calming him down though... Gabriel gave Zechariah the news he's waited so long to hear. "Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John." But there was only one problem... Zechariah wasn't breathing that prayer anymore. That request had expired sometime in the last couple of decades. Slowly but surely, Zechariah watched as his wife go from a beautiful young woman of God to a beautiful (but barren) old woman of God. And c'mon, let's face it... she was way too old to have a baby now! So even though Zechariah used to pray that prayer over and over again... he had long ago resigned to the idea that God's answer was no. No child. No legacy. No joy. God is good, but sometimes we are forced to accept that His answer to our requests is a simple... yet painful "no".
But hold the phone... now, after all these years, Gabriel the angel was standing next to Zechariah at the Altar of Incense making this utterly impossible claim that that God's answer was "yes" after all this time. Yes... Elizabeth would conceive a child in her advanced age. Yes, their priestly family line would continue... and yes, this child's presence would bring untold joy and gladness into Zechariah and Elizabeth's home. Wow... what an awesome turn of events!
But what did Zechariah do in the face of this incredible news? Well, he did what any logical person would do. He doubted. Pure and simple. And what did he say to God's heavenly messenger? He asked how he was supposed to believe in something so preposterous! Quite obviously, his wife was too old to conceive, so how could he be sure it could happen? (Translation: What have you been smoking, Gabriel?)
Wrong answer, dude! God isn't limited by Elizabeth's biological clock... nor is He deaf to the prayers of His people. He is the One who created all things with His mere voice. He is the One who knit us together in our mothers' womb. He is not limited in His ability to bring life to any situation. God is utterly powerful and utterly free to do what He chooses, when He chooses, how He chooses, and through whom He chooses! All we gotta do is get on board the God train!
And do you know what?
God is still in the business of answering the cries of His people. Even if and/or when they stop believing that He will answer them. He knows our struggles, and hates it when His kids are hurting. He may not step in and take away the pain right away... but don't mistake His timing for a lack of holy concern. His ways are not our ways... but believe me, our sense of compassion stems directly from His divine compassion. Humanity is special in the eyes of God... we are His monumental creation, and He LOVES it when we learn the art of trusting Him even when it seems like everything is falling down around us. Even when it seems like the time/date stamp has expired on our requests. Even when it seems like we've been forgotten by our Daddy. Even when we just plain give up on happiness.
So here's what I propose... Let's let Zechariah's example teach us this one simple truth: God hears our prayers and is motivated to shake the foundations of heaven and earth in response. We just need to keep the faith and not give up like Zechariah did.
What are you praying for these days? Let me ask that question another way... What did you used to pray for that you no longer bring up to God? Perhaps you have ceased to believe it would be done on your behalf?
Perhaps... just perhaps God hasn't forgotten you after all. Perhaps He's just waiting until the right time to answer your request... and see if you're still willing to believe in His provision. Perhaps He wants to surprise us with His mercy and overflowing generosity this Advent Season. Perhaps He just wants us to fall in love with Him all over again. I'm ready to lean into that awesome future... are you?
May the Spirit of answered prayers and the overwhelming love of Jesus Christ invade your hearts and minds during this season of faith, hope, joy and renewal. May you discover... or re-discover the beauty of trusting in God's promises for you and those you love as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior these next few weeks.
Merry Christmas, Child of God... God's favor is upon you!
