Please my very few readers...keep in mind; I am VERY new to this whole "studying the Bible thing," so bear with me as I grossly paraphrase and copycat my awesome pastor who talked about this today....
In the time of King Herod (which was about 50 BCE, give or take a few years), there was a Priest named Zechariah; a kind man, who was married to an older woman, named Elizabeth. They lived their wives according to Moses' Laws, righteously under God. This meant they were really good people who always gave to those in need, thanked those who helped them; and basically tried to make their world a better place. In Israel at that time; this would be MUCH more difficult than one can really imagine now. This couple however, was unable to bear a child.
In today's society, this couple would be seen as a "good couple" who likely chose for their own personal reasons to not force the child issue; and would likely be revered as older people who perhaps had chosen their careers over family. This would be amplified by their "older" ages (we're not sure what that is, but I digress. Also a priest or pastor would also be revered in some circles out our society (at least, in theory).
Fifty years before the coming of Christ however, this was not a revered couple. In that geographical area, there were likely 20 000 priests; hardly making the job "special." Being older would have made this couple more at risk for theft and assault; also they would be more vulnerable to simple day-to-day living in a time of no electricity, hot running water, gas heat or plumbing. And being barren; well, it didn't get much worse for women at that time to barren. It was one step above a whore.
One day, Zechariah gets called up by lottery to go to the Temple and work. Now keep in mind this is really REALLY big deal. HUGE. Not only was the Temple the Mecca of the Earth; it was believed that God Himself resided in it. It was a Holy place, on Holy land, with the Holy Spirit's presence within it. It meant actually being in the presence of God. "Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside." Luke 1:10. So here is this guy; completely alone in the presence of God.....
It is relatively obvious that he asks for a son; and the farther you read, you discover that Elizabeth conceives and gives birth to a son, John. But he's not any regular John....he's John the Baptist....kind of a big deal.
My question to you is; if you were alone with God; completely alone with God...what would YOU ask??
How do I raise a child to be good and honest and caring and considerate of others in a world so focused on monetary gain and gross consumption?
What can we all do at a grassroots level to show the world what living in peace and harmony would really be like?
What is my purpose? How do I fulfill it? Am I missing my window?
How do I be a better partner, mother, daughter, sister and friend?
Why is even contemplating this list of questions so difficult?
As Christians, just how far "off the mark" are we?
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