Verse
5. In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years
Explanation/Exegesis/Exposition
The Gospel of Luke starts its argument for Jesus by introducing a Holy Couple, but not Mary and Joseph, but a Priest and his wife. These had lived a long life, and were blameless and upright in the sight of God. This is contrasted later by priests and lawyers being upright in the sight of men, but sinners before God.
This Holy couple however were childless, but not by choice, but because Elisabeth was Barren. Children are a reward of God it says in Ps 127:3, and yet this couple are held up as holy and perfectly loyal to God their whole lives, yet they are living without the coming blessing other people may have. They didn’t however use this lack of blessing to excuse any behaviors’ or lifestyle choices that were not ‘blames less’ before God.
Relevance for Today
It is possible to live a blameless life and be keeping all God’s commandments and regulations, according to scripture, This is standing in contrast to those who say we can’t do it. It must be noted however that perfect obedience doesn’t entitle the Christian to every blessing they desire. These people have lived a very long life,, and yet are unable to conceive. So today the Christian doesn’t follow God and his requirements with expectation of reward, or approach God and delineate their Good works, and deeds as reason for God’s blessing. God’s blessing is because he is good, not because we are good.
Although the Christian may live blamelessly before God, the grounds of spiritual Blessing is because of the blood of Jesus, and subjects to God’s perfect knowledge and will. Sometimes we won’t see or understand this until living with God in eternity. Inversely not experiencing God’s blessing or riches or wealth is no excuse for unspiritual living or breaking of his commands. Their blameless lives did put them in position for the blessings of the next few verses however, that should they have not been faithful, they would not be fitted for.
Your Response to God
I desire to live blamelessly and acceptably keeping all the statutes and requirements of God. This will mean changing some of the behaviors I have come to enjoy and even excuse. I know that I can’t do this for reward or as a bargaining chip with God as this is the minimum expectation for anyone in his presence. However even if there was no heaven or hell, I would still choose to live that way, because life is so much better in Jesus presence than without him.
