Please read the passage before the commentary.
Matthew situates his gospel in the historical context of Israelite kings. Luke situates his in the context of the Israelite temple, and the religious leaders and prophets of God’s people. See in Zechariah and Elizabeth such outstanding people as Elkanah and Anna (1 Samuel 1:1-8). See in their son, John, reference to the prophet Elijah and Samson. See in Gabriel, references to the book of Daniel.
I grew up on budget westerns, where the heroes could churn out a half dozen westerns a year. Someone put together a kaleidoscope of them all entitled, Meanwhile, back at the ranch, which gathered all the cowboy heroes in a great epic battle of good guys against the bad guys.
This opening chapter of Luke reminds me of epic times. God gathered Zachariah with Nohn, and Joseph and Mary with Jesus, to fend off the forces of evil that threaten the peace of God’s word. With the angel’s annunciation to Zechriah, something new is afoot. The people wait for Zechariah to come out, but when he did, he could give them no news, but only hint at the good things to come.
Perhaps, Elizabeth sums up the plot of the story, “The Lord has seen fit to take away my disgrace.” Let us ponder and reflect on how God will gather his forces to engage the enemy.