“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’”
– Luke 1:18-20
Today, I want to tell you about Zechariah, a Biblical figure with whom you may or may not be familiar. Zechariah was an elderly priest with no children. Elizabeth, his wife, had been unable to conceive, which was not only a personal sorrow but also a source of embarrassment for her and her husband at the time. Zechariah was chosen to burn the incense in the temple one day, most likely after years of waiting. This was a major honor. In fact, it is likely that a priest will only experience it once or twice in his lifetime. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people were probably present for his big moment. As he walked up the stairs to prepare to burn the incense, he noticed that others were praying for him and all around him. He entered a room and closed the door behind him when he reached the top. After he had some time alone, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that his dreams would come true and that he would become a parent. Furthermore, his kid would be a precursor to the Messiah and usher in His arrival on Earth! Wow! Unfortunately, Zechariah’s reaction to this news is less than enthusiastic, and he asks the angel, “How can I be certain of these things?” After giving such good news, God’s messenger did not get the faith-filled response he had hoped for. This seasoned priest was even told that because of his lack of faith, he would stay mute until his son was born. When we read it, we generally interpret it as a punishment for his unbelief; however, I believe Zechariah’s mouth was shut so that he wouldn’t be able to utter any more words of negativity and death in response to the great miracle that the Lord was doing in His midst. Friend, I implore you to take a cue from this holy man, who despite having everything to gain, turned down God’s good promises for his future. It is never too late to realize your God-sized aspirations, regardless of your age, financial status, or stage of life. In fact, the more impossible anything appears to be, the more opportunity Jesus has to display His strength and glory in and through it! Say “yes” to God and trust Him to make the seemingly overwhelming and impassable route straight. Don’t talk words of death and destruction over what He has promised; instead, speak words of confidence that magnify His goodness in every area of your being. You will inherit the abundant life Jesus died to offer you if you do so, and that is fantastic news! |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the good news you bring to my life in the shape of your promises every day. I chose to accept them and believe they are your “yes and amen.”
Reflection
Consider this: If you were in Zechariah’s shoes, how would you react if an angel appeared to you? What do you think you can take away from this?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I have learn,that the punishment for those who claim to know God,will be greater, because it was almost the same question Mary asked the same angle Gabriel,who gave message to both of them,