by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“ ... the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.’”
Luke 1:13-15
Though Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted children, all signs pointed to “no.” All their prayers seemed to produce were old age and empty arms. As a priest serving in the temple of the Lord, Zechariah should have been leading out in faith, but he did not believe the words of the angel. Zechariah’s unbelief muted his testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Zechariah’s faith grew even as he sat in silence, watching the child grow in Elizabeth’s belly. After a miraculous nine months, Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully listened to God and named their baby John (see Luke 1:59-63). Immediately, Zechariah’s tongue was loosed, and he began declaring the faithfulness of God and prophesying over his newborn son.
If we are faithless, God still proves faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Our wavering uncertainty does not nullify God’s faithfulness. Like Zechariah, our faith can grow, and we can serve God without fear. Despite our doubts, God still blesses us.
REFLECT: Read Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-66
What does Zechariah’s life show us about God’s patience?
Is there an area in your life where you’re doubting God?
How do you see God working in your situation?
Though Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted children, all signs pointed to “no.” All their prayers seemed to produce were old age and empty arms. As a priest serving in the temple of the Lord, Zechariah should have been leading out in faith, but he did not believe the words of the angel. Zechariah’s unbelief muted his testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Zechariah’s faith grew even as he sat in silence, watching the child grow in Elizabeth’s belly. After a miraculous nine months, Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully listened to God and named their baby John (see Luke 1:59-63). Immediately, Zechariah’s tongue was loosed, and he began declaring the faithfulness of God and prophesying over his newborn son.
If we are faithless, God still proves faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Our wavering uncertainty does not nullify God’s faithfulness. Like Zechariah, our faith can grow, and we can serve God without fear. Despite our doubts, God still blesses us.
REFLECT: Read Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-66
What does Zechariah’s life show us about God’s patience?
Is there an area in your life where you’re doubting God?
How do you see God working in your situation?
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Prayer:
Father,
Your Word declares that Your faithfulness, O God, reaches beyond the clouds. David writes in Psalms that when we trust in You and do good, we can feed securely on Your faithfulness. Strengthen us to remain steadfast in Your faithfulness and to not be moved by anything else we see, hear or touch. We want to please You, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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