Luke 1:8 “So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,”
In 1 Chronicles 24 we read of the dividing of the courses of the priests by David, Zadok, and Ahimelech. There were sixteen courses of the sons of Eleazar and eight courses of the sons of Ithamar. Abijah was the eighth course in line, and was of the sons of Eleazar.
The priests would perform the various services of the temple in their order, according to thier course. Thus, due to the fact that there were 24 of these orders, Zacharias was surely glad his turn had come round. It would likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Heavenly Father, so often we tend to shy away from opportunities for service. Yet, maybe we have the wrong idea. We think that since there is so much work to be done, opportunity is endless. But, maybe You use us differently than we think. May we covet Your service rather than seeing it as a burden. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.