Absence from the Sanctuary
Luke 1:11
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.


Suppose Zacharias had not been there. Suppose that his functions had been to him nothing except perfunctory services, and he had absented himself. Might not the great annunciation have been transferred? Instead of Zacharias might not Simeon have been chosen? and instead of Elisabeth, Anna? I pause to put the question, for I wish to arouse your half-day attendants in God's house, to a recognition of how possible it is to miss of a special blessing when we are not in the way, and place, and time of religious duty. I knew of a case wherein an "anxious inquirer" would have heard the sermon that brought deliverance and peace to her five years sooner had she been in God's house on the day it was originally preached. As it was she walked for five years in gloom, and at last heard it semi-accidentally.

(Dr. Grosart.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

WEB: An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.




Zachariah's Prayer Heard
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