What Can We Learn from Zechariah's Life?

The Struggle of Waiting

Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous and blameless, yet they faced the deep sorrow of childlessness. Their story mirrors the collective waiting of the Jewish people, who had not heard from God for 400 years. This period of silence and waiting can resonate with many of us who feel like our prayers go unanswered.

Imperfect Waiting

Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel reveals his struggle with faith. Despite being a priest, he doubted the angel's message that he and Elizabeth would have a son. This doubt led to a period of silence as a form of God's discipline. Zechariah's story teaches us that even the most devout can struggle with waiting and faith.

God's Faithfulness in His Coming: The Promise Fulfilled

Despite Zechariah's imperfect waiting, God remained faithful. Elizabeth conceived, and their son John would become John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. This fulfillment of God's promise highlights that our faithfulness is not the key; God's faithfulness is.

 The Song of Zechariah

Zechariah's song, known as the Benedictus, is a prophetic hymn of praise. It recounts God's faithfulness through history, from the Exodus to the coming of the Messiah. This song serves as a reminder that God always fulfills His promises, even when we are unfaithful in our waiting.

How Should We Wait? Relational Waiting

The key to enduring periods of waiting is to shift from a transactional to a relational approach with God. Instead of seeing faith as a formula where good deeds equal blessings, we should focus on deepening our relationship with God. This relational waiting leads to intimacy and trust.

Serving in the Waiting

Zechariah's song also emphasizes that waiting should not be passive. We are called to serve God in holiness and righteousness, even as we wait. This active waiting involves living as if we belong to God, serving others, and sharing the hope we have in Jesus.

Life Application

Do we sing Zechariah's song in our waiting?

As we enter this Advent season, let's embrace the waiting periods in our lives as opportunities to deepen our relationship with God. Reflect on these questions:

1. How have I been waiting on God? Is it transactional or relational?

2. In what areas of my life am I struggling to trust God's timing?

3. How can I serve God and others during this season of waiting?

Challenge for the Week

This week, take time to reflect on Zechariah's story and how it applies to your life. Write down areas where you are waiting on God and commit to trusting His faithfulness. Look for opportunities to serve others, demonstrating the hope and love of Jesus in practical ways.

Conclusion

Zechariah's story reminds us that even though we are not always faithful in our waiting, God is always faithful in His coming. This Advent season, let's focus on deepening our relationship with God, serving others, and trusting in His perfect timing. May this reflection bring you hope and encouragement as you navigate your own periods of waiting.