December 4, 2024

Luke 1:18-25  (HCSB)
18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, 25 “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

Terri Noah
When the Angel shares the glorious news of this son to come and his divine purpose, Zechariah has one response....WE ARE OLD! I would like to think that if an Angel of the Lord stopped by for a visit at my house that I wouldn’t argue with him about what he had to say. But there is a strong possibility that I would! Who am I that the Lord would call on me? As with any sin there is a price to be paid for disobedience. In this case Zechariah couldn’t speak, and thankfully he didn’t have to. When he came out of the temple the others immediately knew he had encountered God. Still today an encounter with God will always show in some way. Maybe you talk, think, or act a little differently. Whatever it is, God will use that to be the thing that helps us draw others to Him.