Suffering Saints

Read Luke 1:5-25

Zechariah was a priest, one of God’s anointed, set apart to serve in the temple sanctuary. He and his wife, Elizabeth, unique among their peers, were characterized by righteous and blameless living. Certainly there would be an expectation that this remarkable couple, who exhibited a lifetime of devotion and obedience to God, would experience God’s tangible favor throughout their lives. However, the first chapter of Luke’s gospel tells a very different story of the faithful pair. Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced decades of suffering, for a barren womb meant not only personal sorrow but also social disgrace.

Yet the eye of the Lord was on these two suffering saints, and it would be they through whom he would bring the great herald of the messiah into the world. Their long-awaited son would “be great in the sight of the Lord…turn[ing] many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.” And his most honored responsibility would be “to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” John would be his name, and he would deliver the great inauguration speech for the King of Kings, declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

God never promises a life free of heartache for those who call upon his name. Often the road of obedience is marked with suffering. But suffering for the Lord is indeed a privileged position, and for this couple, the painful circumstances led to a continuous cry to the heavenly father accompanied by a lifetime of faithful obedience. Much to their surprise and delight, after decade upon decade, the Lord answered.

Starter Prayer:
Father,
I know you never promised this earthly life would be free from heartache and sorrow. Thank you for the examples of your servants Zechariah and Elizabeth. Help me to be faithful and obedient to you regardless of my circumstances. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, forever worthy of my praise and my life.
Amen.