In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years…After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, "So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others." (Lk 1:5-25)
God does his work with detailed preparation and exact execution. Nothing needs explanation and man only stands in wonder at the happenings. Man is given explanations and proofs but man should have a bit of faith to see God active in history and nature and in the events of the days. God reveals his designs in the daily, normal happenings of the events.
Here, the scene is set. Herod was the king and Zechariah was ministering at the altar of the Lord. He was a righteous man so also was his wife. Everything goes well except for one thing. This is how the needed situation is highlighted. When everything around a person is perfect except for one thing then that becomes more visible. Also no situation will be perfectly correct for anyone on earth which does not need God intervention.
God’s action is planned and it happens at the right time. As it is said God does ‘at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others’ (Lk 1:25). God executes his activities at a time when he finds it fit for us. It is like saying we search for Him and He will find us. We have our disgrace, suffering, pain etc. but he will deal with it at His time and at His will.
