Luke 1:5-25 (NIV)
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Reflection
“Can you do me a favor?” Occasionally, we ask this of another when we need something to make life easier for ourselves - a help in finding a job, a recommendation for college, or some money to pay a bill. Zechariah and Elizabeth received so much more than just a favor – they received the favor of God. Because Elizabeth was barren, they had asked God for a child, so that they would not have to bear the shame of childlessness. When God’s favor comes, it is never too late and always far beyond expectation. While it took many years for God to answer, it was not because God was disfavoring or ignoring them. It was so that their request would be in line and in time for the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Their child would be the forerunner for the Savior of the world. Filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born, John would clear the way and prepare the people for the coming of the Lord Christ.
Response
God’s favor rests on those who turn to Him in trust and faith. When our prayers are aligned with His plans, no matter how long or impossible it may be, God will faithfully answer us by overcoming all of our doubts and barriers. Let’s thank God for fulfilling all of His promises and preparing the way for Christ. Let’s pray that God’s plans will be fulfilled in our lives.
