The King Has Come: Prepare Your Heart Sample

Elizabeth & Zacharias: Patience

Read today's verse.

The Bible tells us that Zacharias and Elizabeth “were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6 NKJV). Zacharias was a priest who served in the temple. We’re also told that they were “well advanced in years.”

Despite this, they had no children because Elizabeth was barren. This could not have been easy on them. For the people of Israel in this time, it was considered shameful if a woman was unable to have a child. Imagine the grief this must have caused them, particularly Elizabeth. No doubt, the light of hope in a child of their own must have dimmed and burned out long ago.

Around the time of the first century, the duty of burning the incense in the temple fell to Zacharias. As he stood alone in the Holy Place, the angel Gabriel appeared before him to proclaim that their long wait was finally over . . . God had ordained for them to have a son named John. Gabriel told Zacharias that his son would be his joy, great in God’s sight, in the vein of Elijah. He would be the forerunner for the King of Kings; the one who would “make straight the way for the Lord.”

Sometimes, God puts something in our hearts, a great passion and desire, but then wants us to wait for His timing so His perfect plan can unfold. The wait, especially if it’s a long one, can cause us to doubt and lose heart.

You’ve probably heard the age-old expression, “patience is a virtue.” All throughout the Bible, we see God rewarding those who patiently wait upon Him, who trust in His promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. We also see those who don’t wait and often learn difficult lessons. Elizabeth and Zacharias patiently waited upon God and trusted He knew best. Though the reproach of others hurt, this righteous couple found comfort in the arms of the Lord, and in His time, He took their shame away!

It’s not always easy to wait on God’s timing, but the rewards we reap when we do are well worth it! What is testing your patience right now? Do you believe God is trying to teach you through it? Consider how you can apply the experiences of Elizabeth and Zacharias to your present situation.

For The Kids: God Has A Plan And A Purpose.

Zacharias and Elizabeth did not have any children. This made them very sad. As much as they hoped and prayed, Elizabeth never got pregnant. And when she became very old, they thought it was impossible for her to have a baby. In Bible times, people often thought if you couldn’t have a baby that God was not happy with them. But that was not the case with Zacharias and Elizabeth. God heard the desire of their hearts (even though they thought it was too late) and sent an angel named Gabriel to tell Zacharias that he was going to have a son named John.

Sometimes we don’t understand God’s plans or purposes, but He always has the best in store for us. Are you waiting for God to answer one of your prayers? It’s not always easy to wait on God’s timing, but the Bible says He rewards those who patiently wait upon Him!

Today's Challenge

Give up your parking space or let someone pass you in line.