...there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from

the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous

before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But

they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5-7 ESV)

Luke introduces us to an aged priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. This duo is

described as righteous, walking blamelessly before God. They were not just conforming to the

external rituals of the law, but they were following faithfully. They were not perfect – none of us

are – but the pattern of their life was to follow God’s commands and pursue His kingdom.

It is one thing to live righteously when the world around you is falling apart and everything is

okay at home, but that was not the case for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Luke tells us that

Elizabeth was barren, which was viewed as a reproach amongst the Israelites. Zechariah and

Elizabeth had doubtless prayed for a child, specifically for a son, yet they were now advanced in

years, and that prayer had gone unanswered. Yet, they were found faithful.

We live in a day of conflict and chaos. Ours is a post-Christian culture that continues to run

away from God at an ever-increasing rate. Society is deeply divided by competing political and

world views. And for some of us, the chaos is much closer to home in the disappointment of

unanswered prayer, in pain of unexpected loss, or the surprise of unanticipated events.

How do we remain calm in the chaos, so that we might be found faithful? Luke gives us the

answer in his introduction of Zechariah and Elizabeth. He describes them as “righteous before

God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” The key is to

continue doing what we know to do and to live as whole-hearted, faithful disciples of Jesus

despite the chaos.

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment:

This month we will take up our Christmas for Christ offering. This is our one time per year offering for missions. It goes to support many different missions and missionaries both locally and globally. Today, Pray for the following 2 missionaries:

Tess and Lee Sharp: Emmalena, KY  Camp Nathanael

Justin and Lacy McKay: Arvada, CO