HOPE RETURNS AT A STRATEGIC POINT

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.  Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:8-10)

Nothing is by accident for the child of God—it is by appointment!  Even disappointments from our earthbound perspective are His appointments according to His eternal purpose.

This is what we call PROVIDENCE and we see it in operation here.  Paul said that it was in the fullness of time that God sent His Son into the world (Gal.4:4); in the most strategic moment, God would cause the Light to dawn.  This new day would be heralded by John the Baptist.  He would be the “alarm clock” to awaken a world slumbering in sin.

We see His providential hand selecting Zacharias—by lot.  It wasn’t human chance but heavenly choice.  “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Prov.16:33).   

God is directing the events of your life—even the painful ones.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were both devoted followers of the Lord, but this did not immunize them from heartache.  They desperately wanted a child, and now they are seemingly past the age of fertility and still no baby.  They prayed and heaven seemed silent.  How often they must have asked why.  We understand that don’t we? 

You can’t choose to avoid problems—you can choose to be better and not bitter.  God uses pressure to mold us and fire to make us fit vessels.  The delay wasn’t a denial.  The postponement was providential and preparatory.

Linked with the providence of God was their PRAYER.  This is the human responsibility.  When the priest went in to offer incense a bell was sounded calling the people to pray.  We see the faithful remnant of Jews assembling to pray.  Gabriel will announce that the conception of a baby boy would be in answer to the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13).  Incense is symbolic of intercession—a sweet fragrance arising to God.  When God gets ready to move, he moves us to pray.

How God might use us if we would but pray according to His purposes!  When our prayers link up with God’s passion remarkable things happen.  In the darkest hour, the dawn of hope arises!