Zechariah was one of approximately 18,000 Jewish priests in Palestine at the time of Christ. They were divided into 24 groups. Twice a year each group came to the Temple In Jerusalem to serve for a week. Each morning they cast four lots to see who would carry out the four tasks at the altar that day. In the afternoon they cast a fifth lot to see who would enter the Holy Place to offer evening incense. This privilege usually only came once in a person’s lifetime.
According to Luke’s gospel, Zechariah was chosen to enter the Holy Place on this particular day. While he was there the angel appeared to him to announce the birth of his son. He also told him to name him John. “John” is a Hebrew word that means, “God had shown favor.”
There’s a lot to think about in this passage. Perhaps I should think about my name and why it was chosen. Think about how it sounded when spoken to me as a child. Think about how it sounds when God speaks it !!
DeColores, Deacon Doug
