A Story of Lost Hope

The lots were cast. This time, it was his turn. His turn to go into the temple, to walk into God’s presence, to burn the holy incense. Zacharias had served God faithfully for many years. When others abandoned God’s commands, he and his wife Elizabeth were obedient. When others choose corruption, he remained blameless.

As this faithful priest entered the temple, a crowd of people gathered outside. Everyone was praying and worshiping. I wonder what Zacharias was thinking as he walked into the temple that day? Maybe he was reflecting on the honor of serving God. Maybe he was thinking about his beautiful wife who had stood by him year after year. Maybe he was thinking about the promised Messiah, anticipating His coming.

We have no way of knowing what Zacharias was thinking, but we do know something very significant about his life. He had no children. Despite his faithful obedience, despite the prayers he had offered, despite the pain and shame placed on his wife, Zacharias had no child. For many years he had hoped, but now the reality told him the truth. He and Elizabeth were too old. They would have to be content with serving God, even if they never received the child they had hoped for.

That day when Zacharias entered the temple to present the incense offering, the unexpected happened. Right there, in the midst of serving God, Zacharias had a God-encounter. An angel of the Lord appeared right in front of him. Suddenly, this man of God was overcome by fear. What could this mean?

The angel was quick to address him, “Do not be afraid Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice in his birth.” (Luke 1:13-14 NASB) The coming son would be full of the Holy Spirit and would be God’s messenger. He would have the spirit of Elijah, the great prophet of old. He would prepare the people of Israel for the Messiah.

Zacharias was having trouble comprehending how this could be. Yes, he had prayed for a son, but that was a long time ago. That was when his wife still could have children. But now, wasn’t it too late? Hope was gone. Too much time had passed. That dream had been abandoned. It was impossible, beyond physical ability.

So Zacharias spoke up, “How will I know this for certain?” And explained to the angel, “I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18) Somewhere along the way, in serving God, Zacharias had stopped believing Him. Instead of seeing what God could do, He saw the limitations of his circumstances. Instead of hoping against all hope, he gave up.

At a time when Zacharias should have been embracing God’s promise, he was full of questions. So the angel gave him a sign, probably not the one he was looking for. Zacharias would be silent until the day the prophecy was fulfilled. His unbelief cost him. On a day he should have been shouting for joy, he was silent. On a day he had good news to share with the people waiting outside, Zacharias could utter no words.

I don’t know about you, but I relate to Zacharias so much. Sometimes I use serving God to try to forget about my hopes and dreams. I use what I claim as hard work for Jesus to bury my hurt and disappointment. I give up on what I believe God promised because my circumstances say that it won’t happen.

Over the next few weeks, we are going to take a closer look at Zacharias. He is so relate-able. He is the perfect picture of why the Messiah was needed. He understood what it meant to serve, but he didn’t understand hope. And neither did the people of his day.

Jesus entered the scene in a season of darkness, of God’s silence, of opposition and oppression. He brought life and light. Jesus is the only one who can bring hope to a hopeless situation. Whether that is to the nation of Israel or a man named Zacharias, or whether that is to you or me. Jesus was and is the only hope for all mankind.