In Luke 1:21-22 we see the people waiting and wondering why Zechariah is taking so long. When a priest would go into the Holy Place and burn incense on the altar, the people waiting outside would see the smoke rise through the roof of the Temple. They would then know that the priest was offering prayers, and the assembly would fall on their face and pray until the priest came out to pray a blessing on them, and it would be over. When Zechariah finally came out, the people realized he had seen a vision because he kept making signs and was unable to speak.
“When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward, his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. ‘How kind the Lord is!’ she exclaimed. ‘He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.’” Luke 1:23-25 (NLT)
Zechariah had to continue to work in the Temple for the whole week. While the priests were on duty, they couldn’t go home. He had to be anxious to get home to Elizabeth and try to explain somehow all that had happened to him in the Holy Place. Thankfully they didn’t have to wait very long before they saw evidence that what the angel said was coming true. Was he shocked or had he gone home and had relations with his wife as an act of belief and obedience to the word that was given? I’d like to believe he chose to believe Gabriel and was partnering with the Lord to enable the promise to happen. He did his part and waited on the Lord to do His.
There is nothing in the text or biblical culture that tells us why Elizabeth secluded herself away for five months upon learning she was pregnant. Does she feel protective of this child and not ready to bring the world into this marvelous gift just yet? Is she waiting until there is no denying that she is pregnant to let people know? Her whole married life she’s been barren, and with that came shame and disgrace. She could have been hesitant to set herself up to public ridicule, even if it would be for a short time. She may have not wanted voices of doubt and unbelief spoken over her or the child. She chose to remain silent about this miracle along with her husband.
Whatever reason Elizabeth had for going into seclusion, we will see in the coming verses that she didn’t have to finish out the last three months of her pregnancy alone.
Today’s truth is that we may have moments of unbelief, but when we choose to believe and partner with God, being obedient to our part of the equation, amazing things happen.
Debbie's Perspective 
Choose and obey,
simple
but
difficult words.
The hardest.