Zechariah’s Role and God’s Plan of Redemption

Post #3: Zechariah’s Role in God’s Redemptive Plan: Advent Reflection

As we journey through this season of anticipation, we reflect on God’s unshakable faithfulness and His perfect timing in His plan of redemption. Today, we focus on Zechariah’s role as a priest and how his story points us to Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises. And how the Old Testament custom of casting lots ties into the Advent story. Both of these elements serve as reminders of God’s sovereignty in every detail of our lives.

Reminder: I’m currently doing the Just as He Promised Advent study from the Daily Grace Co. If you’re following along, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation and comment below.

Zechariah’s Role in the Plan of Redemption

Zechariah was a priest, chosen by lot to offer incense in the temple, an important task in Israel’s worship (Luke 1:8-10). The casting of lots was a common practice among the Israelites to make decisions, and in Zechariah’s case, it marked a pivotal moment in history. While Zechariah stood before God in the Holy Place, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:13-17). This event fulfilled God’s promise, showing that every aspect of His plan was orchestrated by divine intervention.

The casting of lots in Zechariah’s story was no mere chance. It was part of God’s perfect plan. Just as Zechariah was chosen for this significant task, God sovereignly chose this moment to reveal His plan of redemption through the birth of John the Baptist. This connection highlights God’s control over every detail of life, pointing to His larger plan for the coming Messiah.

What Is Casting Lots?

The custom of casting lots was used throughout the Old Testament, and it wasn’t about randomness. It was a way for God’s people to trust in His sovereignty and guidance. Here are a few examples:

1. To Divide the Land:
   In the book of Joshua, casting lots was used to divide the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10). This act symbolized that the land was God’s possession, and He alone determined its division.
2. To Determine Roles and Responsibilities:
   In 1 Chronicles, lots were cast to assign roles among the priests for temple service (1 Chronicles 24:5). This sacred practice showed that all duties were under God’s authority.
3. To Resolve Disputes:
   Proverbs 16:33 reminds us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Even seemingly ordinary decisions, made through the casting of lots, were considered acts of divine guidance.

Casting lots was a tool that helped Israel remain humble and acknowledge that every outcome was under God’s control. This practice pointed to God’s sovereignty over all things, a truth that still resonates today.

Casting Lots in the New Testament: Jesus’ Crucifixion

The custom of casting lots extends beyond the Old Testament and directly connects to Jesus’ crucifixion. During His final moments, the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22:18: “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment” (John 19:23-24). While this act seemed trivial and heartless, it was part of God’s divine plan. Even in the darkest moments, God’s sovereignty was at work, and the soldiers unknowingly fulfilled prophecy by casting lots for Jesus’ clothes. This detail highlights that every event in Jesus’ death was a fulfillment of Scripture and part of God’s perfect plan for redemption.

The Shift from Lots to the Holy Spirit

In the Old Testament, casting lots was a means to seek God’s will, but with the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, believers no longer needed this practice. After Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit came, providing direct access to God’s guidance (John 16:13). No longer reliant on external practices like casting lots, believers could experience a personal relationship with God, empowered by His Spirit.

Application for Us Today

As you reflect on Zechariah’s role and the casting of lots, consider how God’s sovereignty is at work in your life. Just as Zechariah’s moment in the temple was no accident, and Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled prophecy, every detail of your life is part of God’s greater plan. Whether you are serving in small ways or facing hardships, trust that God is guiding you according to His purpose.

• In Your Home: Embrace your role as a disciple-maker and trust in God’s guidance for your family.
• In Your Work: Recognize that no matter what you do, God has a purpose for you to fulfill.
• During Advent: Use this season to reflect on how God is at work, both in the grand story of redemption and in your own life.

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As we continue through this Advent season, may we be reminded of God’s perfect plan unfolding in every detail, even in the moments we might overlook. Just as He sovereignly guided the casting of lots, He is working in our lives in ways we can’t always see. Let this truth inspire you to trust in His divine timing and rest in His unwavering faithfulness. Stay rooted in His promises, and let this season deepen your relationship with Jesus, our Savior, who fulfills all things. Keep pressing forward with hope and joy, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

Stay wildly faithful.

Xoxox, Erin

Want to Dig Deeper?

If you’re following along with this Advent Reflection Series, we highly encourage you to check out the Daily Grace Co Advent Digital Study to enrich your understanding of this season. It’s a great way to deepen your connection with the true meaning of Advent.

Purchase the Digital Advent Study from Daily Grace Co (non-affiliate link)

If you missed our previous posts in our Advent series, click here to read more reflections on this study.