Luke 1:11-20
Zacharias was in the sanctuary when suddenly an angel appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense! Zacharias was startled and terrified.
But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will both have great joy and gladness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. For he will be one of the Lord’s great men. He must never touch wine or hard liquor—and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth! And he will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God. He will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children’s, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith.”
Zacharias said to the angel, “But this is impossible! I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to you with this good news! And now, because you haven’t believed me, you are to be stricken silent, unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The Bible doesn’t tell us how old Zacharias and Elizabeth were…just that they were “very old.” If an angel appeared to me (now in my sixties) and said, “You’re going to have a baby,” I would laugh – and then seek professional help! There’s no telling how God would react to my response…although some would probably be happy if he struck me silent for a while!
All kidding aside, this is one of many examples in scripture where we sell God short. We say that we believe He can do anything. We claim that we trust God with our whole heart, mind and soul. And then when we receive a clear sign that we are to take a certain path or make a specific choice, we say, “This can’t be right!”
We question God…about all sorts of things. “Did You really mean for me to change course? Are You really moving me from one job, town – or church – to another? Are You sure I am supposed to stop hanging out with this friend/group or that one?” We ask God, “How can this ever be okay? How can I ever overcome this grief, loneliness, sense of failure or inadequacy, or defeat of some kind? How on earth can I cope with this illness or physical limitation?” We are skeptical about how we will navigate everything from the pandemic to rearing our children – to living with joy and contentment in old age. And I would venture to say that more than a few of us have questioned whether Heaven is real and there truly is life beyond this earth.
It’s a wonder God doesn’t strike us all silent – or whap us in the head! Look around…signs and wonders are everywhere. God’s promises – and assurances – are abundant. Proof of His power to do all things exists not only today – but in the lives of those who went before us. God gave “an old man and woman” a son who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He told them He would do this…and He gave their son a name – John. God told Zacharias and Elizabeth that John would prepare people for the arrival of Jesus, soften hearts and change disobedient minds! And he did all of this – and more.
On this day when we give thanks for our many blessings, we should surely put our relationship with God at the top of the list. We are blessed beyond measure and filled with the hope and promise of all that God can and will do in and through us. We serve the Most High God…the One with power and strength to do all things. Because of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are promised not only love, fortitude, and protection on this earth – but Eternal Life in His Presence.
A dear friend suggested to me this week that those who have passed before us are feasting far better than we will at the Heavenly Table…and someday, we will join them there. I know there is a seat with my name…and I trust you have one, too. Meanwhile, there is much work to be done here, as we demonstrate complete faith and trust in God to meet our needs and do mighty works. I am not saying I want Him to give us a baby at this stage in our lives…but I am open to however He calls me to serve, and I trust that He will orchestrate the details perfectly. Alleluia…and Happy Thanksgiving!
©2021 Debbie Robus
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