“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8-9 NIV
In early Jewish history the Temple had incense burning continually in front of the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. There were twenty-four divisions of temple priests who each ministered for one week twice a year. Their job was to keep the incense burning by a lone priest entering the Holy Place and offering the incense every morning and evening. Their selection to perform this duty was chosen by lot. Due to the number of priests within each division and the fact they only served twice a year, it was indeed a rare privilege to serve in this capacity. Most priests never had the opportunity for this duty and no one was to serve more than once.
Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, had the once in a lifetime privileged to enter into the Holy Place to burn incense. His division was on duty and he was chosen. Some would argue he was chosen by chance of the lot, the luck of the straw, or even coincidence. But this was perfectly planned by God. For as he was performing his duties an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He declared to Zechariah that Elizabeth, his wife would have a child in her old age. His name would be John, John the Baptist, and he was to be the forerunner to the Messiah, Jesus. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and will conceive and bear a Son and His name would be Jesus.
God’s planning and timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time. His plans always work out according to His schedule. A lesson for us in our impatience to wait on the Lord and trust His plan for our lives, for it is ‘perfectly planned.’
Read Luke 1:5-25, The Birth of John the Baptist foretold: Luke 1:5-25 NIV – The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – Bible Gateway
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