Devotional: Righteous Before God – The Life of Zacharias and Elisabeth
(Luke 1:6–17)
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”
– Luke 1:6
In the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, loving greetings to you all!
The Bible introduces us to a remarkable couple: Zacharias and Elisabeth. In just a few verses, the Holy Spirit gives us a powerful testimony about their lives. The Scripture says that they were both righteous before God, and that they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
These are not light words. This is heaven’s commentary about a man and a woman who lived on this earth.
1. Righteous in the sight of God
Luke 1:6 tells us:
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”
Zacharias and Elisabeth were not just respected before people; they were righteous before God. Many times, we may appear spiritual or religious before others, but God alone sees the heart. About this couple, God’s Word clearly declares that:
- They were righteous before God.
- They walked in all His commandments.
- They were blameless in His ordinances.
This does not mean they were perfect in a human sense, but that they lived in sincere obedience, faith, and reverence before the Lord. Their desire was to please God above all else.
They lived in the expectation of the Messiah, their Saviour and Lord, just as we today wait for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. They longed to live in such a way that they would be found acceptable in God’s sight.
2. Their pain did not stop their faith
Right after this beautiful testimony, we see a deep pain in their lives.
Luke 1:7:
“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.”
They were righteous.
They were blameless.
They loved God.
Yet, they had no child, and they had grown old.
From a human point of view, their situation seemed hopeless. Many in their society may have misunderstood them, judged them, or even thought that God had not favoured them. But in the midst of this silent suffering, they did not give up on God.
Luke 1:8:
“And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course…”
Even though they had no children, even though their prayers seemed unanswered for many years, Zacharias continued faithfully in his priestly service before God. He did not stop serving. He did not leave his calling. He continued to fulfil his duty in the presence of the Lord.
Many of us, when we face delays, unanswered prayers, or deep disappointments, feel like withdrawing from God’s work. But Zacharias shows us another way:
Keep serving. Keep believing. Keep standing in the place God has appointed for you.
3. God remembers long–standing prayers
In the midst of his service, God visited him.
Luke 1:13:
“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”
What a glorious sentence: “Thy prayer is heard.”
We do not know for how many years Zacharias and Elisabeth prayed for a child. Perhaps, in their old age, they had even stopped praying about it. But God had not forgotten. Heaven had recorded every tear, every whisper, every longing of their hearts.
At God’s appointed time, the answer came:
- His prayer was heard.
- His wife would bear a son.
- His name would be called John.
God’s time is never late. When we remain faithful, God’s answers come in the fullness of His wisdom and purpose.
4. A child set apart for God’s purpose
The angel did not just announce a birth; he announced a calling.
Luke 1:14–15:
“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.”
This child, John, would:
- Be great in the sight of the Lord.
- Live a separated life, not drinking wine or strong drink.
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
Luke 1:16–17 further reveals his ministry:
“And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John the Baptist would:
- Turn many Israelites back to the Lord their God.
- Turn the hearts of fathers to their children.
- Turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.
- Prepare a people ready for the Lord.
He would go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah, awakening hearts, calling people to repentance, and preparing them to meet the Saviour.
5. Our calling in this generation
When we look at John’s ministry, we must ask ourselves a sober question:
In our generation, where God gives us opportunities to turn even one soul towards Him, how faithfully are we using that opportunity?
The angel said that John would prepare a people made ready for the Lord. In the same way today, we as believers and servants of Christ are called to:
- Share the gospel of Christ.
- Call people to repentance and faith.
- Help hearts turn back to God and to one another.
- Prepare people to meet the Lord Jesus at His coming.
Just as John woke up the hearts of those whom God had already prepared, we too are called to awaken, encourage, and guide those whom God is drawing to Himself.
We are not called to do this in our own strength. The same God who filled John with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb is able to empower us by His Spirit today. When we are willing, He gives us the strength, boldness, and grace to share Christ and build up His people.
A closing prayer
Loving, gracious, heavenly Father,
Our Lord, our God, our great Father, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever—
Today, we remember the work You did in the lives of Zacharias and Elisabeth.
You who worked so wonderfully in their lives are able to work in our lives also.
Father, it is enough for us to be found in Your presence, near Your table, close to Your heart.
The salvation You have given us is so great and precious.
On the cross, Lord Jesus, You gave Your life for us.
Lord, I desire to live as a righteous and blameless person before You,
just as Zacharias and Elisabeth walked before You.
Help me to be faithful in prayer,
faithful in service,
and ready to be used to prepare others for Your coming.
Thank You for being a God who hears prayer.
I offer this prayer with thanksgiving,
in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
