Luke 1:5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
Elizabeth and Mary are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Elizabeth is old, barren. She’s probably spent a large portion of her life wishing for a child only to make some sort of peace in her old age with the fact that she would never have them. Yet now she’s expecting.
Luke 1:6-7 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
Mary was so young, still a teenager, never had relations with a man, was looking forward to her wedding, not a child. And yet, God called on her and she said yes. Now, during what will be a time of great anxiety of the unknown, they have each other for strength and comfort.
Luke 1:8-9 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.
Precious Savior, You know us so well, what we need, what we want, who can best support us, who we can support well. Help us to pay attention to the gentle nudges when you place someone on our hearts. Help us to reach out, to encourage and support others as we journey through this life. Amen.
Luke 1:10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
Have a blessed day.