At this time Judea was ruled by Herod. Zechariah and Elizabeth were descended from the priestly line of Aaron, and they maintained a life of obedience to God and his word, but they were childless into their old age. So, whether at a national or a personal level, it might seem that the Lord was absent. This was the very time the Lord appeared. Zechariah was called to be a prayer servant for the nation. There an angel appeared to him. The Lord would answer his prayer, not only for the nation, but also for a son. The Lord was coming, and he would use John the Baptist as a source of joy for the people of Israel, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord. Outwardly the times looked dark, but the Lord was present and fulfilling his purpose, answering those who prayed so faithfully.

Zechariah could not believe what he saw and heard. Then the angel Gabriel struck him with silence until John's birth. The Lord was coming to fulfill his word at the appointed time. When Elizabeth became pregnant, she prayed and saw that the Lord shows his favor and takes away the disgrace of his people.


Application: Lord, the world looks dark. Help me to pray until I can see the Lord who shows favor and takes away disgrace. Make me a person prepared for the Lord.
One Word: The Lord answers prayer