Zechariah

(An OT prophet by this name wrote the book bearing his name).

However, here we look at the NT priest who was the first to recognise God was setting in motion the actual events that would lead to the much prophesied Saviour coming to earth. He became the father of John the Baptizer, who prepared the way for Jesus. His story is told in Luke 1:6-24,63-80.

Lessons from his life: * Along with his wife Elizabeth, they “were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly” (Lk 1:6). He took his responsibility as a temple priest seriously – the outward compliance to the religious customs was backed up with inner obedience and dedication. It is essential that we have inner character qualities that provide a steady foundation of support for whatever ministry we are involved in. The outward lifestyle should be a reflection of the heart.

* He voiced his doubts about becoming a father in his old age (Lk 1:18). It is not wrong to tell God how we see things, however it is wrong to put more credibility in our opinions than the words of God. Mary the mother of Jesus was confronted with an impossible scenario too, yet her response was, “Be it unto me according to your Word” (Lk 1:34,38). Don’t limit the power and ability of God to work, He is a miracle worker with whom the impossible is possible (Lk 18:27). When a humanly impossible situation is resolved the only one who can be given credit is God.

* He prophesied over his promised son (Lk 1:76,77). Every believing parent should pray over their children, beginning from conception and continuing through pregnancy and birth into childhood, then regularly praying for them until the day they die. Although this child had a high profile role to play in the divine plan everyone can have a specific and vital part to play in the ongoing Kingdom of God. If you don’t have Christian parents who can speak into your life, ask a Godly couple who you respect if they would be substitute parental figures in the faith.

See also: Elizabeth, John the Baptist, priests.