Luke 1:1-20

Zacharias of Abia and Elisabeth of the daughters of Aaron – the parents of John the Baptist. Before they got to the place of parenthood they had to take a journey through a barren place.

Both were righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (v. 5).

But, they were unable to have any children. This fact greatly disturbed them both. This was not a small thing. They were in this place for many years.

To be barren or a barren place, by definition is too poor to produce much or any life. A bleak and lifeless (place). Synonymous with Unproductive, infertile, unfruitful, sterile, pointless, futile, worthless, profitless, valueless, and unrewarding.

They were dealing with some very tough odds. In addition to being barren, they were both stricken in years. Because they had been in this state for such a long time, and were well used to navigating its waters. Sometimes, being in a situation for so long can warp your senses or taint your perspective. It may be challenging to rejoice with others when they share the good news of what is happening in their lives.

But we keep moving, we keep working…

Zacharias, was a priest and ministered in the temple. He was responsible for burning incense in the temple. While the people were outside praying, Zacharias was inside, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him.

Zacharias saw him and was troubled, fear fell upon him. The angel told him to fear not. Assured him that his prayer is heard, and Elisabeth, his wife, shall bear him a son, and to call his name John (v. 13).

Now, the reality of Zacharias situation kicks in…

Zacharias had 1 prayer that he must have prayed over and over again. This is the prayer that was heard. The Angel prophesied to Zacharias about his son from v. 13 through v. 15.

I don’t know many people who would physically see an angel and not feel some type of fear. However, once a person turns on their spiritual discernment that can tell it is off God, or get to rebuking in the name of Jesus.

But this is where Zacharias confirmed he was walking more in the flesh than in the spirit. He asked “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years (v. 18).

This lets me know that Zacharias circumstances – he was in this barren place for so long – had him convinced that they were stronger than the Lord. His circumstances had warped his knowledge of the God he so faithfully served. It skewed his perspective. He was almost afraid to receive the glad tidings.

I don’t know about you, but I have also been in situations for what seems like years. Fasting and praying and talking to God about them. Speaking life to my situation, decreeing and declaring. But it still seems as though God had pushed the pause button on it. But that is not the case. God is sovereign and he has a plan and a fullness of time for us all.

All of the work that we put into receiving from God is not fruitless. God counts it as “righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless,” (v. 5). Yes we need to do these things because they build up our faith, so when the manifestation comes, we can receive it with gladness, glorifying God.

We must be careful to guard our hearts and our minds, because we can get to the place where Zacharias found himself. The answer to your prayers is standing right in front of you, but you have been so hurt by your circumstances that you are too afraid to believe that it is real.

God is faithful, he cannot deny himself. He still performed the miracle, but had to further demonstrate his power to Zacharias. According to v. 20, “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words.”

Zacharias wanted a sign, so God gave him one. I am sure that this is not what Zacharias had in my when he asked, “Whereby shall I know this?”

God’s plan is going to happen. Gabriel told Zacharias in the later part of v. 20, “…which shall be fulfilled in their season.” Gabriel said “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee the glad tidings” (v.19). We have to be in the place where we recognize when God is speaking to us – even if he is doing it through a chosen vessel. We should be able to recognize when God is at work!

God has a season for just for us, and it is now. Receive what he is saying and accept it in faith. Walk in discernment. The scriptures tells us to try the spirit by the spirit to see if it be of God, 1 John 4:1-5.

If you have the Holy Ghost abiding on the inside, there should be a witness in your spirit that this is God. If you do not have that immediate witness, then go further. Line it up against the word of God. If is it God, it will line up. If does not line up, it is not God! Shake the dust off your feet and keep it moving.

Due season – it is your season. This is the time where God is fulfilling his promise, answering that prayer that you have been praying for a long, long time.

Don’t be afraid. Grab hold of it with both hands and walk in it by faith!

Have a blessed day.