Luke 1:5-7
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. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Luke has already told us he intends to begin at the “beginning.” He does, however, surprise some readers by beginning with the birth of John the Baptist and not the birth of Jesus.

He is telling his readers, the beginning is not His birth! The apostle John shares this truth with his readers when he wrote, “In the beginning was the word.” Luke is sharing the same truth but he is beginning with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist; the person who would prepare the way for Jesus.

Luke’s presentation of the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth makes it clear everything he is describing from John the Baptist’s birth to all of Jesus’ life is a continuation, or more accurately, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

When God fulfills His promises and acts on behalf of His people, it is an occasion to rejoice in God’s goodness.

Here we have a couple who have lived exemplary lives and yet they seem to have been forgotten by God. In their day to day life nothing is happening. They are serving and obeying, but for years God has not answered their prayer for children. No doubt, their life was a daily routine of obedience and piety. As they settled into their routine they seem to have lost all hope God would ever work in their lives.

Zachariah and Elizabeth are truly examples of “normal” people trying to serve God and perhaps feeling they are accomplishing very little in their daily life.

What this introduction tells us is we should anticipate God working in our lives.

We should pray God will accomplish His will in our lives.

We should look for occasions to praise Him for what He is doing.

Don’t lose God in your daily routine!