“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” (Luke 1:11-12 KJV).
In this verse, the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, who was a priest in the ancestry of Abijah, and one among so many serving in the temple. Zechariah, who served in his priestly duties with ardor, and his devoted wife Elizabeth, were both righteous and walking blamelessly before the Lord. However, they were both advanced in years and had no children, as Elizabeth was barren.
The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zechariah occurs at a significant moment in the temple, as he performs his one-in-a-lifetime duty of burning the incense. This was a sacred and solemn act of worship that took place within the holy place of the temple’s inner chamber. The priests took turns to enter this chamber performing this very high-profile holy service. Its smoke symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to the Lord. The angel’s appearance at the right side of the altar of incense signals good news from the Lord, as the right side is often associated with blessing, favor and honor.
The fearful and troubled reaction of Zacharias to the angel’s presence, was due to the suddenness of his appearance. He may have thought that God Almighty Himself manifest to him, knowing that God says: "no one can see my face and live" (Exodus 33:20). But, reflecting on this in the presence of Lord Jesus Christ who came in human form we are given the privilege of closeness with Him. For us in this age of post-resurrection dispensation of grace, by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have His promise: ““Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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