In this daily Bible reading is the account of an angel appearing to the priest, Zacharias. The angel appeared while Zacharias was performing his priestly duties of burning incense in the Temple. The angel told Zacharias that Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth would have a child who they would name John. John’s purpose would be to lead the people to repentance and prepare them for the arrival of Jesus.
Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were quite old, and Elizabeth had never been able to have children. So, Zacharias doubted the angel. Because of this doubt, the angel told Zacharias that Zacharias would be unable to speak until the child was born.
Elizabeth did become pregnant, and John was born nine months later. Interestingly the Virgin Mary became pregnant with Jesus while Elizabeth was pregnant. Elizabeth was related to Mary. God’s plan for the redemption of mankind was beginning to unfold.
