Delayed, Not Denied

September 4, 2023

There was a Jewish priest named Zechariah who served in the temple as part of the priestly order of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also from a family of priests, and was a descendant of Aaron. They were both righteous before God, living virtuously and following the commandments of the Lord blamelessly. But they were childless since Elizabeth was barren, and now they both were quite old. But the angel reassured him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God is showing grace to you. For I have come to tell you that your prayer for a child has been answered. Luke 1:5b-7, 13 TPT

Put yourself in Zechariah’s sandals. He was part of a family with a tremendous spiritual history. He was from a faithful family of priests, and married Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, Moses’ brother, and the original great high priest. They didn’t take their heritage for granted. They lived out their faith in God powerfully, privately, and publicly. Luke wrote his account from research and interviews with people who had witnessed the lives and experiences of the people mentioned. The summary report of Zechariah and Elizabeth was that they were both righteous before God, they lived virtuous lives of moral excellence, and they even followed the commandments of the Lord blamelessly. That’s quite a testimony. Wouldn’t you think any prayer prayed by someone like that would be a slam dunk? Of course, God would answer. If I was lining up prayer partners for a big need in my own life, I would want Zechariah and Elizabeth to head the list.

That’s why it’s unthinkable. The blessing everyone craved in those days was a child—and not just a child, but a son. Not only the pleasure and pride any child would bring, but a son would also carry on the family name and be responsible for caring for you in case of tragedy or in your old age. A son WAS your social security.

I wonder what thoughts went through Zechariah’s mind as year after year went by and he congratulated friend after friend on the births of their children, but a baby’s new cry was never heard in his home. It was a terrible longing, but also in his day it was tinged with shame and suspicion. Children were considered a heritage from the Lord—if you were faithful, why would not God bless you with this gift? Had Zechariah and his wife displeased the Lord? Did they have a secret sin?

Whatever his thoughts and agonized prayers, Zechariah remained faithful. He found joy and purpose in serving God. From my own long experience of trusting God together with a godly spouse in inexplicable circumstances, I believe their marriage grew closer and stronger. And one day the answer came—their prayers were not denied, just delayed. And the answer was TRULY the desire of their hearts that God knew.

• Lord, You are my Lord in the dark and in the light. Help me stay steady today, believing You see my TRUE heart’s desires, and will give the perfect answer at the perfect time.