Zacharias and Elizabeth

Luke 1:5–25 NKJV

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. 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. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, 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 to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Who was Herod the Great?

Insert Picture of Herod

He was a pipit King for Rome.

the Jewish people did not accept Him.

so he was violent to maintain his throne.

Who was Zacharias of the division of Abijah?

Insert Picture of Zacharias

He was a priest.

He and His wife where without Child. Which means the people wondered about there there righteousness.

this is why in Luke 1:6 tells us that they where righteous under the Law.

Who was Elizabeth of the sons of Aron

Insert Picture of Elizabeth

Mother of John the baptist it was through her bloodline that John the baptist and Jesus where cousins.

she would be mentor to Mary mother of Jesus.

1. In God’s Kingdom delayed does not mean denied!

Luke 1:7. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

Some delays are divine.

in a few weeks we will see that Mary goes to stay with Elizabeth and Zachariah.

so it is obvious that their delay was for greater purpose.

We know they prayed and fasted and sought the Lord. The text tells us nothing about the comfort of the Lord. Luke 1:13 “13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (be careful what you pray for)

Let’s be clear Zacharias was offering prayer at the alter in that moment. but I don't believe Gabriel was talking about those prayers. he’s talking about those prayers that he uttered in His soul

in fact we know that when the Angel Gabriel Spoke to Zacharias heaven broke 400 years of silence .

In Luke 1:14-17 There is a description of John the baptist Life and Ministry. there is little else for the minister of the gospel to know that His son will fallow Him and that his ministry will be great in the eyes of God and man.

2. Be faithful regardless of feelings.

Luke 1:8–9 NKJV

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

People who serve the Lord do so in the midst of personal disappointments.

Serve anyway.

3. Be careful little mouth what you say.

Isaiah 55:8 NKJV

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

Don’t agree with the devil flesh or fear for your Life.

the reason Zacharias was mute until John the baptist was born was because as a preiest he would also be a teacher of the word of God and he knew better.

Proverbs 13:3 NKJV

3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.