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Readings: Luke 1:1-22; 62-80
As I was reading for today, the first image that popped into my head was from kindergarten. Hang with me here.
At that age, one of the most coveted duties, at least as I recall, was line leader. The line leader got to lead the entire class to the next location. They were first, in the know, responsible for leading the whole class.
If there was time to wait, the teacher might play a game of telephone. As the first in line, the leader got to know the secret phrase. I never liked being in the middle, not trusting if the information received or passed on was correct.
I can imagine the beginning of Zechariah’s story, sort of like being the kindergarten line leader.
Zechariah is a Levite priest, and both he and his wife Elizabeth are descendants of Aaron himself. He and Elizabeth are both devout Jews, living out their twilight years together in a quiet home with no children.
As a priest, Zechariah is called away from home twice a year for a week of temple duty. With as many as 20,000 priests in Zechariah’s time, the tribe consists of 24 divisions. Each division is in the rotation to serve their time. Zechariah is part of Abijah, the eighth group of priests in line (1 Chronicles 24).
The priest’s job description included several duties, but the most coveted was performing the incense offering. A highly desired task, a priest could only have the honor once in a lifetime, if chosen at all. This job was of the kindergarten line leader level.
Lots determine who would have what job. I can imagine Zechariah sitting with his colleagues, watching the lots fall.
Low and behold, Zechariah’s name is drawn, and he receives the duty of incense burner. He’ll be alone inside the temple, offering prayers for the nation. Zechariah will be alone in the presence of God.
The day starts as expected. Perhaps Zechariah prayed with his eyes closed. Head bowed and focused; it’s only when he opens his eyes that he sees he is not alone. Understandably so, Zechariah is afraid.
The angel tells him Elizabeth will have a son, and he is to be named John.
Probably in shock, Zechariah asks the angel for confirmation. His logical brain gets the best of him. Maybe he’s asking to protect himself from disappointment. He can’t figure out how he and his wife, both well advanced in years, could physically have a child.
How could this thing he’s wanted for so long be coming true now?
As punishment for his unbelief, Zechariah is struck dumb, and he leaves the temple unable to speak.
My heart breaks for Zechariah at this moment. I can imagine his conflicting thoughts when he realizes he can’t speak. On the one hand, he got a sign, so surely the angel must be speaking the truth. On the other, he can’t tell anyone.
Zechariah was in the middle of the kindergarten line. He cannot comprehend what he was just told and doesn’t know how to pass the phrase further down the line. Do I pass it along or stop the game now?
As an expectant parent, you want to tell everyone your good news. You and your spouse plan and scheme, discussing nursey themes, names, and birthing plans. Zechariah didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the time with Elizabeth before John was born.
For the next nine months, Zechariah finds himself in the middle of already and not yet. He knows the promise already, but John isn’t here yet. He knows his role, but Elizabeth isn’t pregnant yet. There is a plan for the Messiah, but it hasn’t happened yet.
But God still uses this in-between time with Zechariah. We see evidence of later in Luke after John is born. The first thing Zechariah does after regaining the ability to speak is praise God (v. 67-80).
Naturally, Zechariah’s silence drew him and Elizabeth into a stronger relationship with each other and God. God didn’t let the in-between go to waste. Even when it doesn’t feel like it,
God can use all things for our good. May we be courageous enough to believe he can use the in-between times, too.
Journal Prompt: Are you in the in-between? How is God using that to grow your relationship with himself and others?
