Have you ever received a promise so amazing, that quite frankly, you struggled to believe it was true? Or, on the other hand, have you ever received an amazing promise, yet still believed it to be true despite the impossibility? While these two scenarios share the similarity of an amazing promise, they are vastly different as the promise was only believed in one instance.

Similarly, in the Christmas story, Zechariah and Mary both received a God-sized promise from an angelic messenger. Only Mary however, although genuinely confused, believed the promise was possible. And sadly, Zechariah did not believe it at all. The truth is confusion and unbelief, although they may appear similar, are not at all the same. And this becomes plainly clear in Zechariah’s story.

Meeting Zechariah

The first time we meet Zechariah is in the Christmas narrative. Yet his story obviously began many years before this specific chapter of his life was recorded. You see, as an older man, Zechariah had already experienced much in his life that had shaped him mentally and spiritually prior to his divine encounter in the temple that day. And this would have included a lifetime of waiting, hoping, and praying for a child.

Additionally, as a loving husband, I would imagine there had been countless times Zechariah comforted Elizabeth in her inability to conceive. And more than likely, just as many times he dried her tears, not to mention his own, as month after month and year after year, they still had not conceived.

Considering these very real possibilities provides us with a better understanding and perhaps even empathy as we review Zechariah’s story which began in the temple on one unsuspecting day. Yet, it was this day that would change his life forever.

Zechariah’s Story

Zechariah’s story in the Christmas narrative, began in the temple as he was burning incense to the Lord, a priestly duty he had performed many times before. However, this time was uniquely different as suddenly an angelic messenger appeared to him saying,

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer[!] Your wife Elizabeth will give you a son—name him John. You will have great joy—many will rejoice at his birth—[And] he will be great in the eyes of the Lord…” (Luke 1:13-15 NLT)

You would think that this personal and specific promise would have been a source of great hope to Zechariah. Regrettably however, in response to this God-sized message delivered by an angel no less, Zechariah only said, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.” (Luke 1:18 MSG)

Clearly this was the wrong response, to which Gabriel replied,

“I am Gabriel…sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you [didn’t] believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true [in] God’s time.” (Luke 1:19 MSG)

Any hope Zechariah might have had of retracting his initial response was futile, as following Gabriel’s pronouncement, he was immediately silenced. Still, God is faithful to His promises.

Nine Months Later

Nine months later, Elizabeth, well past the age of childbearing, gave birth to a son. In response to this miraculous blessing, friends and family rejoiced, just as the angel of God had spoken.

Eight days later Elizabeth and Zechariah took their son to the temple to be circumcised. When Elizabeth announced their baby would be called John, everyone protested assuming he would be named after his father. In response, Zechariah, still unable to speak, motioned for a writing tablet, and in agreement with his wife, wrote, “His name is John.” After nine months and eight days of silence, Zechariah’s voice was instantly restored, and he began to praise God. This then led to his Spirit-inspired prophecy regarding the coming Messiah and his son John,

“And you, [John] my child, “Prophet of the Highest,” will go ahead of the [Messiah] to prepare his way … Sunrise will break in upon us… showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace”.

[And true to Zechariah’s prophecy,]

“[His son John] grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel”. (Luke 1:76-80 MSG)

A Lesson to Be Learned

As we read Zechariah’s story, we are reminded that there are consequences to unbelief. At the same time, God is merciful and patient with us. In His faithful love, He even silences our unbelief if necessary, reminding us He is trustworthy and good.

So, if you find yourself weary in waiting, be encouraged knowing God is true to His Word. In His time, He will always do as He promised, just as He did with Zechariah. Until that time comes however, keep praying. Keep hoping. Keep trusting. And never stop believing.

Pray

Gracious Father, thank you for the stories included in Holy Scripture that speak to me today. In seasons of waiting, help me to remember that you never fail, you never lie, you’re never late as your timing is perfect. And in your time, you will always do as you have promised. I praise you faithful God, amen.

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Community Question of the Week

Can you think of a specific time when you struggled to believe something God had promised you?

Encourage others with your response HERE!