Luke 1:9
“according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.”
What does Luke 1:9 mean?
Zechariah was chosen by casting lots, which was how priests decided who would perform the special privilege of burning incense in the temple's inner sanctuary. This wasn't just any duty, it was considered one of the holiest responsibilities a priest could have, performed only once in a lifetime for most priests. The incense itself symbolized the prayers of God's people rising up to heaven. What makes this moment significant is that while Zechariah was performing this sacred ritual, an angel appeared to him with news that would change his life and eventually play a role in the birth of John the Baptist, so even in the midst of regular, faithful service, God was preparing something extraordinary.