Zechariah, A Case Study in the Importance of Silence

Luke 1:5-25 – Part One

 

 

Luke, the evangelist and author of the third gospel, introduces John the Baptist in this story. He recalls the birth narrative of the future fiery and unrelenting itinerant preacher who proclaims the coming of Christ and emerging kingdom of God. John especially emphasizes the necessity of personal cleansing and repentance. John and his followers were believed to be members of the Essene community which embraces an ascetic lifestyle that honors God’s holiness. Moreover, this way of life prepared them to receive and apply the teachings of Christ. Nonetheless, John’s birth story parallels the miraculous promise of Isaac’s birth. An angel appears to announce God’s plan for the birth of John to his father, Zechariah, a descendant of the priestly division of Abijah. Destined for greatness in God’s plan for the salvation of humankind, John the Baptist would be born to elderly parents who both descended from priestly tribes. Like Abrahan and Sarah in Genesis, Zechariah and Elizabeth had advanced beyond childbearing age. Physically, it was an impossibility. However, God had other plans for them. He miraculously would satisfy their most treasured and wholehearted desire. God sends an angel to announce His intentions to utilize this priestly couple to rear this special child and prepare him to fulfill his role in the grand plan of human salvation. Theologians refer to this historical moment as soteriology, salvation history, wherein John the Baptist factors significantly as the precursor to Christ.

 

This birth narrative contains very interesting details that reflect God’s meticulous planning as He daily imparts grace to us. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth are descendants of Aaron and the priestly tribes. In current parlance, that makes John the Baptist the son of two “PKs,” preacher’s kids. His parents were prepared ideally to rear him in the priestly traditions and prepare him to become the forerunner who would announce the coming of Christ. Luke describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as being “righteous in the sight of the Lord, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” They maintain a right relationship with Almighty God by adhering strictly to God’s holy requirements. Because of their unwavering devotion to Him, God expressly chooses them for the task of preparing John.

 

Implied in their preparation are the seminal contributions of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Interestingly, our nuclear families and homes are the primary locales for evangelism. It is important for parents to realize the evangelistic challenge and obligation that they have in rearing children, grandchildren and future generations. More specifically, parents accomplish this spiritual task by faithfully living with integrity. They align their lifestyle and principles to fit as neatly as a hand in a tailored glove. Arguably, most people who become Christians respond favorably to the Lord’s love, grace and teachings because they encounter disciples who apply these principles in daily living. Truth and integrity are most evident in personal choices and behavior instead of confessions and proclamations. John Wesley famously exhorted his followers to go into the world and preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; “use words if necessary.” John the Baptist’s preparation for his mission develops over multiple generations. Deserving of the Lord’s endorsement, Zechariah and Elizabeth fulfill their role.

 

Advanced in age and childless, Zechariah and Elizabeth are God’s chosen servants. John’s birth is physically impossible. Their predicament parallels the plight of Abraham and Sarah who were also childless in old age. However, God made a promise and covenant with Abraham that he would have a son from his own loins. To fulfill this oath, God performs a miracle. Sarah bears Isaac who becomes the patriarch to the twelve tribes of Israel through whom the nations of world would receive divine blessings. Like Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth are the gracious recipients of a divine miracle that prepares them to become vessels of His plan for humankind. The purpose of the miracle is fulfillment of God’s plan. It does not occur to satisfy self-seeking desires. Miracles occur to facilitate the “good, pleasing and perfect will” of Almighty God. This biblical truth and principle empower disciples’ prayers.  When we ask for miraculous intervention, do we ask for the fulfillment of God’s will? Are we requesting divine power to accomplish our self-centered desires? God answers Zechariah’s prayers to further His plan for human salvation. He utilizes two people who are faithful and worthy instruments. They faithfully adhere to God’s directives and resultingly seek His will in their prayers and actions.

 

Zechariah receives further grace in the draw of the priestly custom of choosing lots to determine which priest receives the honor of serving before the Lord. This favorable outcome enables him to enter the temple, stand before God and light incense on behalf of the people. They stand outside and pray as he performs this important priestly ritual. Zechariah receives an angelic visit which frightens him. He announces the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist. The angel also gives Zechariah several instructions about the way Zechariah and Elizabeth are to rear their son. The angel first assures Zechariah that God hears and answers his prayers. This scene reminds disciples of the significance of praying fervently and faithfully regardless of their circumstances. Apparently, this elderly couple persisted in prayer for a child despite nature’s opposition. It seems their prayers were useless. William Barclay, author of the longstanding and helpful New Testament commentaries, The Daily Study Bible Series, offers that prayer is a time and period of personal transformation. He rebuffs the tendency of many petitioners who recite grocery lists of material wishes and financial needs or desperately want relief from penetrating anxiety. Self-seeking and self-centered prayers rarely if ever pursue the will of God. Furthermore, these times of introspection, reflection and discernment are means of imparting the mind, heart and character of Christ into any disciples who pray. Nevertheless, this elderly couple prays and provides an incalculable example of spiritual discipline and personal determination for twenty-first century disciples. Later in his gospel, Luke records the Parable of the Persistent Widow which begins, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1-8)