Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Luke 1:8-9 NIV.
Zechariah: nothing noteworthy or memorable about his life – thus far. Going about his daily business, serving in the temple as his father had done before him. A good man, a regular Joe, showing up to his job as scheduled, careful to observe all the rules and laws given by God to those who served in the temple.
Sound familiar? Do you sometimes feel like one day just runs into the next? Do you believe there’s really nothing noteworthy or memorable about you? Do you wonder if there’s more to this life than the daily grind of work, eat, and sleep?
Zechariah likely felt the same about his life– ordinary, run-of-the-mill, middling, mediocre – especially given that he and his wife were childless. Then all of that changed when Zechariah’s name was chosen to enter the sanctuary of the Lord. Life as he knew it would never be the same (you can read his story in Luke, chapter 1).
I have exciting news for you, my friend. Your name has been picked – not by lot, but by design. God chose you long before the world was created. He knows your name and will pursue you to the ends of the earth until you surrender to His love. You are no longer just a face in the crowd – you were created on purpose and for a purpose. Your life has meaning. He chose you to enter the sanctuary of the Lord through His death on the cross. Accept His gift of mercy and enter into His presence – trust me, it will completely transform your life.