“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. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” Luke 1: 8-10
Reflection - The announcement of John's birth comes at a high moment in Zechariah's career. As one of about eighteen thousand priests, Zechariah serves in the temple twice a year, but only once in his life does he get to assist in the daily offering by going into the holy place. This honor had fallen to him by lot. He was to offer incense, a picture of intercession rising to God. He enters, as others pray, with a rope tied around him so that should he faint he may be pulled out. What a significant point of his life – this was his mountain top experience - a moment he would never forget. Life would never be the same again.
Prayer - Holy transforming God, we praise you for Zechariah, a dedicated and prayerful man. May we never take for granted the opportunities we have to worship you. Show me more of yourself, that I may be aware of your very presence in all things.I pray that this week ahead I may glimpse you in the people I meet and that they may glimpse you in me. Amen
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