This article is excerpted from Lifeway Men's new Bible study, Behold the Savior - Advent Bible Study Book for Men: Treasuring the Story of Christmas. 

"In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah's division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth."

Luke 1:5 CSB

Following his introduction and explanation to Theophilus, Luke opened his gospel account with a historical timestamp and important context on Zechariah and Elizabeth: "In the days of King Herod . . . " Most scholars believe these events took place between 7-4 BC.

Further, we are told that Zechariah was of Abijah's division and Elizabeth was from the priestly line of Aaron. Herod was the leader of the people and would have been viewed as the most powerful figure in the area. Meanwhile, Zechariah and Elizabeth came from a "royal" priestly line. In these introductions, alongside the passages that follow, we are reminded that God's values are different than those of the world and He often works through unlikely people.

"Both were righteous in God's sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord."

Luke 1:6 CSB

In verse 6, Luke moved from Zechariah and Elizabeth's status to their character: "Both were righteous in God's sight." As is often the case in the Bible, God works through those who are faithful to Him. Zechariah and Elizabeth lived according to God's commands. This prepared them for what God would call them to next.

Many people search for God's will in daily life. Often, we expect to discern God's will by experiencing a spiritual high or receiving a "sign." Yet, repeatedly, the Bible reminds us that God's will is our faithfulness to Him. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we can confidently pursue God's will in the routine moments of daily life, knowing He will use us when and how He desires. We don't have to look for a sign in the clouds; God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us. As we remain faithful to Him, He will use us for His purposes.

"But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years."

Luke 1:7 CSB

Our modern eyes and ears may catch the sorrow of verse 7, but we may miss the full significance of this detail. Further, we should recognize that this was not a throwaway detail by Luke but a crucial aspect of how God would work in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth. After reading of their blamelessness before the Lord, we might expect to next read that the couple flourished. But if we've followed Christ for any amount of time, we know that this correlation is often not as direct as we hope. In fact, it is often the opposite, as it was here. We instead learn of a wound this couple carried.

"20 If a man sleeps with his aunt, he has violated the intimacy that belongs to his uncle; they will bear their guilt and die childless. 21 If a man marries his brother's wife, it is impurity. He has violated the intimacy that belongs to his brother; they will be childless."

Leviticus 20:20-21 CSB

Leviticus 20:20-21 (among other passages) reminds us barrenness was viewed as curse from God. So instead of feeling blessed by God, this faithful couple likely felt punished.

Zechariah and Elizabeth might be seen as representative of all of God's people at this point in history. They had waited with anticipation for one to come—a child for this couple, a Messiah for the nation. But much time had passed, and disappointment had set in. It would be easy to wonder if God had forgotten them—maybe they would not see His work again. But this could not have been further from the truth. Zechariah and Elizabeth, and all of God's people, were on the precipice of a miraculous breakthrough in their lives and history. And God was going to use the long-hoped-for child of this elderly couple to announce the coming of the Messiah.

This does not mean God will resolve every hurt we experience in life. But it does mean we can trust Him in every hurt. The account of Zechariah and Elizabeth sets the table for the greatest fulfillment of God's promises, the coming of Jesus, who knows our pain, has restored us to God, and promises us a hope and future with Him.