My Bible Story: The Forerunner

Episode 2: Longing and Hoping

The sky was painted with hues of oranges and pinks as the sun was slowly making its way up. The c**k crowed for the fourth time as the sounds of people bustling the streets were heard from afar. Zachariah had heard the first crow but was a bit laid back to get out of bed. The fourth crow of the c**k jolted him out of his drowsiness.

He rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms. His eyes caught a painting of himself and his wife, the first day they met, the day they got married. It felt just like yesterday but it had been 46 years and still, he was so much in love with her like it was just yesterday. He smiled at the thought and muttered a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God for such a wonderful wife.

He knew his wife was up early, as it was her daily routine, she had been on this routine for over 41 years since she noticed her inability to bear a child for the man she loves. Her husband could hear her sobbing as she gave thanks to God for her husband and prayed for safety as he goes to the temple.

Zachariah was a priest in the temple, he had been a priest all his life. He served God with all his might and his wife, Elizabeth was not an exception. His service at the temple was exceptional and people were usually in large numbers when he entered the Holy of Holies on their behalf.

As Zachariah prepared to go for his temple routine, his friend, Asher came to visit bringing good tidings. “My wife birthed a son, my heart is filled with joy! May the Lord be praised! Alas, I have a son that will bear the name of Asher”, Zachariah and Elizabeth congratulated their friend as he was so overjoyed, he quickly dashed out of the house and he made his way to the home of the midwife who attended to his wife.

Elizabeth couldn't help but think of her own longing for a child. As Asher joyfully headed out to see his newborn son, Elizabeth got down on her knees and prayed to God to remember her so she too could bear a child for her beloved husband.

As she got up and looked out the window, she couldn't help but think of her mother. Anna, Elizabeth's mother, was a virtuous woman, a place of refuge for many people. Although she never had difficulty conceiving, Anna was a compassionate woman who knew how to empathize with those who were suffering. Elizabeth remembered a woman who lost her child during childbirth, and Anna cried with her and mourned her loss. When Elizabeth asked her mother why she was so sad, she replied, "When you have compassion for people, you not only rejoice with them but you mourn with them as well."

“Wife! Are you okay? Zachariah asked as he snapped her out of her thoughts, “Yes, husband I was just lost in thoughts, that’s all” She fake smiled; “I hope Asher’s good news is not the reason for the thought. Please do not ponder on the matter, I have accepted my fate that I shall not have a seed of my own, and because of this, I am contented”, “Please do not say that, my husband; I am still praying, and I know God will answer”, Elizabeth said as she felt so flattered in the arms of her husband. “Whatever you say, wife, whatever you say”,

As Zachariah made his way to the temple, he was greeted by people who were excited to see him. Rumors had been spreading that he was the most preferred priest, and everyone wanted to witness his service. Zachariah was humbled by the attention but knew that it was the Lord's doing.

As he entered the temple, Zachariah and all the other priests cast lots to determine who would enter the Holy of Holies. It was a moment of anticipation and excitement for the people gathered there, and they all waited with bated breath to see who would be chosen. Finally. . .