This morning, I was listening to the preacher tell the Christmas story. He told about Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary. The Bible says in Luke that Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were "upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." They were both along in years and had no children.
One day, as Zechariah was in the temple burning incense, an angel appeared to him. He told him that he would have a child. Zechariah doubted the angel's words and asked for a sign ... he said, "How can I be sure of this?" So what happened? God made him mute for his wife's entire pregnancy.
It's funny how I've heard that story so many times, but I've never really considered that aspect of the Christmas story. But how appropriate, I thought. God really does have a sense of humor. Here's Zechariah, full of doubt after years of being childless. Rather than being able to voice his disbelief in front of his pregnant and aging wife, God made him silent. I bet during that silence that he was able to deeply reflect on what was taking place. Instead of verbalizing his doubt, he had no choice but to lift it directly up to God.
I found it interesting also that other men of God like Abraham and Gideon, asked for signs and God gave them what they requested. I wonder what made Zechariah different? Why was Zechariah seemingly punished for his uncertainty?
I pondered those thoughts all through church, trying to figure out a wise answer. The truth is, I don't know the answer to that question. I wish I could type some deep realization here on this blog. Instead, I'll continue pondering because I think there's something to be learned from this story.
I also know that I feel a lot like Zechariah sometimes. I know God's called me to do something. But after walking through a period of barrenness, I want to scream, God, please give me a sign! Give me some encouragement. Give me something to let me know that the joke's not on me.
Of one thing I'm certain: Romans 8:28 says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
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Christy Barritt is the author of HAZARDOUS DUTY, a chick-lit mystery about a flip-flop wearing, music-quoting crime scene cleaner who sticks her nose into police investigations. For more information, visit: www.christybarritt.com.
I think it comes down to the attitude that Zacharias had. We can see from his fear in the earlier verses that Zacharias knew that this was an angel. So in Luke 1:20 we see that he was made dumb because he did not believe. Gideon is probably one of the best examples of a person asking for signs from the Lord (Judges 6). I think that Gideon’s requests were treated differently because Gideon was asking because of his own insecurities and self doubt rather than doubting that God was able to do what he said. Zacharias was doubting the word of God, even with God’s messenger standing in front of him. You will recall that Ahaz refused to ask for a sign when God instructed him to do so. God gave him a sign anyway and the result was not what we would consider to be good. The pleasantness of the signs that God gives appear to be dependent on the attitude of the person to whom he is giving it.
Posted by: Timothy Fish | December 10, 2007 at 07:19 PM
We just talked about Zachariah in Bible study on Sunday, about his speechlessness, in fact!
Great post!
Can't wait for your new book...been waiting a long time:-)
Posted by: Deena @ My Bookshelf | December 12, 2007 at 12:34 AM