Scene 1: Luke 1: 5-13a
He
had waited his whole life for this day and it came a bit unexpectedly.
Zechariah was a priest from the lineage of Abijah and his wife was also a
descendant of Aaron. For two weeks each year his family line was responsible
the incense offering that was to be burned twice a day, in the morning and
evening, as prescribed by Levitical law.
The fragrant incense was burned on the altar made of acacia wood,
overlaid with pure gold, in the Holy of Holies before the Ark of the Testimony;
and it was to burn day and night as a continuous offering before the Lord.
Since he was a priest in the line of Abijah, there was a remote possibility
that at some point in his life he would be selected to prepare and burn the
offering, but it would be a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Miraculously, on this day, the lot fell
to him—today he would serve before the Lord.
Once
his ritual cleansings were complete it was time to enter in to offer prayers
and burn incense. He was
overwhelmed with the responsibility—he would be considered “rich” by his
relatives hence forth because of this honor. He took a deep breath and entered.
It was indescribably beautiful, sacred, mysterious and awe-full. Zechariah
reverently lit the incense and the smoke began to rise—a fragrant offering of
praise to the Lord; he had never smelled anything so pleasant.
Suddenly
aware that he was not alone Zechariah’s entire body convulsed as he was
startled by a presence in front of him, to his right. As he raised his head to
look at the altar he saw him—bright, shining, massive, strong, not of this
earth, but real. He couldn’t speak
(it wouldn’t be the last time) but Gabriel, the angel did with a soothing and
commanding voice that sounded like a multitude.
All
of the people gathered outside awaiting for Zechariah to emerge but he did not.
What
was going on in there? This was unusual—out of the ordinary; he had been in there too long.
Back
inside…
“Do
not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.”
Which
prayer, he thought? My prayer for
our people to be free? My prayer
for the forgiveness of sins of our people? My prayer for the Messiah?
It's funny almost how we sometimes get so caught up in praying for things, our even situations, or we get too busy, that we miss the moment when God answers a prayer. -Lord, let us always be aware of You and the things You do for us each day!-
ReplyDeleteGreat insight David! I almost didn't see that in there. Thanks for commenting.
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