Zacharias’ journey

Can we talk about Zacharias?

The first time we learn about Zacharias, we get a really interesting description of who he and his wife were:

“They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:6)

Righteous.

Keeping commandments.

Performing ordinances.

Zacharias is a priest.

Officiating in the temple.

Praying for a child, even though it logically wasn’t going to happen anymore.

Carrying that burden of righteous dreams unfulfilled.

Zacharias was… a really really good man. From what I can tell.

And then we get the dramatic shift.

A life-changing message is delivered.

Things were about to change.

And Zacharias?

Good, righteous Zacharias.

His faith falters.

“Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” (Luke 1:18)

And the Lord knew exactly what Zacharias needed.

He needed to be humbled a bit in order to let his faith grow.

And so the trial came— Zacharias couldn’t speak.

What would Zacharias do with this trial?

Would he let it make him angry and bitter? Or would he allow it to humble himself and let his faith grow?

I wonder what work Zacharias did in his heart and his mind during those months while his wife was expecting.

I wonder what his journey was.

But all we see is where his heart and his mind end up at the end. We see their destination.

After months and months of trials and also blessings…

He writes that his son’s name should be John.

“And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” (Luke 1:64)

And shortly after:

“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”. (Luke 1:67-68)

It worked.

The trial changed good, righteous Zacharias into an even more refined and devoted disciple of the Lord.

He allowed his trial to grow his faith.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black