Before His Manger, Chapter 46: Make Yourselves Ready

In Chapter 45 we joined Zacharias at the altar of incense in the temple. This goodly Israelite was, by birth and ordination, God's own high priest. Yet the temple "priesthood" at this dark hour in Jewish history was corroded with power motives and political appointments. Zacharias was often excluded by those who had bought their religious authority. As Chapter 46 begins, God's true representative is in his temple, being blessed and taught by an angel. While this rare and holy event is taking place inside, the other officiators, along with numerous Jewish worshipers, are waiting outside. They have been waiting for what seems like a long time for Zacharias to complete his simple duties in the Holy Place.

Chapter 46 — Make Yourselves Ready

"Perhaps the old goat has forgotten what to do," whispered one of the younger men to his father-in-law. Both men stood in the Court of the Priests, wearing priesthood garb.

Another one standing nearby heard this, chuckled quietly, and outdid the first. "No, Caiaphas, it isn't that," he whispered, "he's lost in there. It's a big place, you know."

Several others alongside these smiled broadly but said nothing.

The first now added, "Yes, that must be it. He's weaving around the shewbread table, bumping into the walls. If he bumps into the candle sticks, just think, his clothes could catch on..."

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