Luke 1:5-22

Verse 19  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.

    Ready for another time jump?  This one has us jumping over 400 years.  God had been silent for 400 years and the people of God were so unfamiliar with His voice that they didn’t expect it.  Like the days of Eli and Samuel they weren’t ready for God to reengage with His people.  They were still saying they were waiting for the Messiah but maybe not as expectantly as they had in the past.

    That is where we meet the priest, Zechariah.  There were 24 groups of priests which rotated their weeks of service and Zechariah was part of the Abijah group.  He had a wife who was also a descendant of Aaron meaning they had followed the ancient rules of marriage for priests.  They weren’t a young couple but they were devoted to the Lord.  There was one thing which caused them pain in life though.  They couldn’t have a family.  We don’t know why God didn’t answer their prayers for children before they were so advanced in years but He had His reasons.

    Being chosen by lot to burn the incense was a special honor and may not have happened in a priest’s life more than once.  He went in while the people were outside praying.  As is the most common opening line for angels, Gabriel told the priest not to fear.  The older priest must have been shocked but still managed to ask his question of unbelief.

    Gabriel had been very clear that this wasn’t going to simply be the child they had long prayed for.  No, this child had a special purpose.  This wasn’t just about blessing the couple, it was about blessing the people of God.  This son would have the tough job of being the first prophet after 400 years of God’s silence and would be the one getting God’s people ready for the long-awaited Messiah.

    Because of his doubt, Zechariah was silenced.  He couldn’t even express his joy verbally with his wife.  9 months of having to listen instead of talk.  We can’t blame him for doubting because we may have done the very same thing.

Making It Personal

    What have you doubted God about?  Do you trust Him even in your doubt?  What needs to happen for you to learn to trust what He says?

Making It Personal Kids

    Are there things in this world that you are thinking are impossible?  Why do you think they are impossible?  Can you trust everything that God said?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for the reminder that even when it seems like You are quiet, You are working for our good.  Help us trust You even when it doesn’t make sense.  In Jesus’ name, amen.