Deeper Reflection
The priesthood was restructured into 24 divisions since the time of King David (1 Chron 24:4). Zechariah came from one such division (Lk 1:5b; 1 Chron 24:10). Each of those divisions served one week, twice a year in the Temple. Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the Holy Place to ensure that the altar of incense in front of the Holy of Holies was kept burning (Exo 30:7-8). “Ordinarily, a priest would have this privilege very infrequently, and sometimes never, since duty assignments were determined by lot.”¹⁸ This was a sacred duty.As the people’s prayers were lifted up outside in the Court of Men and Women, an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah in the Holy Place! It would be quite natural for anyone, including a righteous priest, to be struck with fear when faced with such an encounter with an angel. The angel told Zechariah not to be afraid and that his prayer had been heard. God would give Zechariah and Elizabeth a son, who was to be named John. The couple probably prayed many years for a child (Lk 1:7b), but God only chose to grant them their request at this point. It was God’s appointed time. He is faithful and His timing is perfect. God was directing history in accordance with His will for the fulfilment of His promises.

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¹⁷ 1 John 5:14-15. ¹⁸ NIV Study Bible