Rev. E. Anderson

A PARTNERSHIP OF PRIME TIMERS

 Luke 2: 1-23 As Luke records his message concerning Jesus Christ, he cannot help but mention the fact of a husband and wife team, Zachariah and Elisabeth, because they were to play a vital role in Jewish and World history. Two seemingly ordinary people divinely primed at a late stage in their lives to perform a major task within His eternal purposes. What is stated is worthy of consideration and it becomes apparent that the Almighty desires to use people at a a They proved to be a noble spiritual partnership that together under the inspiration and direction of the Lord were ready to be engaged in a significant manner. What is said of them is valuable and commendable and ought to be thought about in depth because of the lessons to be learn about their affiliation with each other and the Lord. They are to seen in singular light as Luke unfolds things as they occurred, first with Zachariah and then Elisabeth. 

A MAN OF NOBLE CHARACTER

 1.       HE WAS EVIDENTLY JOINED IN A GOOD MARRIAGE CONNECTION – v5 

When he decided to marry he desired to link up with someone who had an appreciation of his own role within life, namely the priesthood. There appears a compatibility within the union right from the start and was maintained throughout the years. They were supportive of each other in every way and as a husband/priest he sought to fulfil his obligations. 

2.      HE WAS SUPREMELY COMMITTED TO GOD IN EVERY WAY – v6 

It is stated clearly where the heart of each lay in relation to the Lord. No doubt he set the example as a husband/partner, and Elisabeth was ready and happy to be in accord with this procedure. He made it his business to live an impeccable life in every way, one that the Lord would approve of and be pleased with. Even when it comes to the ultimate stage, he is still of the same mind and persuasion. He knows what is to be valued and pursued to the conclusion. 

3.      HE WAS LOYAL EVEN THOUGH HIS NATURAL ASPIRATIONS WERE NOT FULFILLED – v7 

Possible the thought may have passed through his mind, why hasn’t the Lord rewarded us with a child seeing we have been both been faithful to Him and His cause? He didn’t permit any negative factor to corrupt and frustrate his relationship with the Lord. Although he could not understand that he had no successor, he would not become irritated or disappointed with the Lord. He continued loving and serving the Lord in the best possible manner.

 4.      HE DEVOTED HIMSELF TO A SPIRITUAL EXERCISE WITHIN THE TEMPLE AND REGARDED THAT AS IMPORTANT – v10 

His work and ministry focused on the offering up of the daily incense, which was characteristic of prayer as indicated by the fact that the people were outside at the same time doing precisely this. He would be conscious of this factor and connection and would be involved in the act of praying himself. It was more than a routine job to him simply merely to be carried out. As far as he was concerned prayer was a major ministry to be conducted. The Lord needed to reveal himself in answering the immense needs of the nation and people. Little did he realize how soon such was to be responded to! 

5.      HE EXPERIENCED A UNIQUE VISITATION OF THE ANGEL, GABRIAL – vv11, 19 

Suddenly he was to be encountered by a heavenly divine messenger who appeared in that sacred spot, ‘on the right side of the altar of incense’. It was because something of enormous significance that such a reputable messenger was sent .In late life he was to be honoured by such a glorious agent of heaven! He was to keep august company with an courier of special importance. This indicated how much he was esteemed by the higher world. 

6.      HE WAS THE RECIPENT OF A DIVINE REVELATION THAT CONTAINED A WONDERFUL PROMISE – vv13-17 

The angel had some very exciting things to report to him that was going to have a great bearing on his family unit and the nation of Israel. Disclosed to him were things that were to happen that would remarkably change his family unit and impact \his people in a major way. There would be an awareness that he and his wife had not been overlooked with regard to children and the gift to be given would be very special not only to them but the outworking of God’s purposes. He was to go from the Temple pregnant with a promise from God.  

7.      HE IS SOMEWHAT OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL AND APPEARS TO BE LACKING IN FAITH – vv19- 20 

One can somewhat sympathize with this godly person in the fact that what he had just heard seemed quite incredible. As a couple they had been waiting over many years for a baby and to be told such was about to happen and the distinct calling of the child to a great mission was mind-blowing. He was disconcerted and a little disorientated by the unusual happening, hence the questioning and doubt. But he was could not doubt because of what was to happen to him –vv20. 

8.       HE IS READY TO ASSUME HIS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITES AT THE END OF HIS MINISTRY – v23. 

Having fulfilled his service he knows what he must do. There are his natural responsibilities to be assumed in caring for his wife and other things. Going home was not to do nothing but to attend to matters that required his immediate endeavours.   

    9.  HE IS INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO A REMARKABLE PROPHECY – v62-79

In a beautiful, unusual manner he is filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to give a very big prophecy regarding his people, about his son and the One that was to follow, Israel’s Messiah. The priest turns into a prophet at this crucial stage of life.

CONCLUSION The encouraging factor is that this godly individual had been many years in steadfast and loving ministry and at this particular juncture in life the Lord desires to treat him in a special way. He would be forever grateful that both he and his partner had been consistent in their divine relationship and work.