From the Heart of God's Word...
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 1: GOD BREAKS THE SILENCE (Luke 1:5-38;57-80)
Zacharias was one of the older priests in the church. God viewed him and his wife, Elizabeth, as righteous and blameless because they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Elizabeth was advanced in years, yet her desire for children lingered in her heart and mind.
One day, while Zacharias was serving the Lord, the lot fell upon him to go into the temple of the Lord to burn the incense. Image the moment… He walks in to accomplish the regular religious routine. Outside, the others are praying for this act of service. All at once, Zacharias comes face-to-face with an angel…
“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, was sent to speak to you (Zacharias is the father of John the Baptist) and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time. Luke 1:19-20 (Please read Luke 1:5-15 and 57-80 to fully understand this next section)
What was going through Zacharias’ mind? Was he confused? Did he recognize the angel was from God?
Together, let’s think beyond the obvious to a possible monologue from Zacharias…
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Shock, fear, and doubt absorb my thoughts. Why am I filled with fear amid one of my greatest priesthood moments? Questions erupt in my mind. This must be the angel of death, not an angel of the Lord.
Suddenly, our eyes meet as the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for I hear your prayer. Your wife will bear you a son; you shall name him John.” Again, doubt escalates. Elizabeth and I prayed for God to bless us with a child, but now we are too advanced in our years.
The angel continues, “The Holy Spirit will fill him, even from his mother’s womb… to prepare a people for the Lord.”
Without thinking, I shout, “How shall I know this?” Immediately, I’m filled with remorse and regret. If only I could take those words back. Then Gabriel exclaims, “You will be mute and unable to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe My words.”
I open my mouth to apologize, but not a word or sound. I tried again and again, but nothing. Immediately, the angel vanishes. Now, a heavy burden lay on my shoulders. Why, in the midst of serving the Lord Most High, did I doubt His answer to my prayer?
Exiting the Temple, I notice the large crowd of people waiting outside. I try to share my experience with all my might, but not a sound. A look of confusion forms on their faces. Whispers ripple through the crowd. As my eyes meet Elizabeth’s, Gabriel’s words echo in my ear, “Your son will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” All of a sudden, in my silence, the world around me dissipates.
Frustrated, yet encouraged.
Confused, yet calm.
Fearful, yet humble.
To my surprise, within a few days, my wife, Elizabeth, conceives a child. For a little over nine months, we didn’t leave our home. Still, not a peep or word have I spoken. Humbleness overwhelms my heart. A life change stirs deep within my soul. In this time of silence, God is transforming my life like never before. His love, grace, and mercy are becoming my lifeline. These silent times are teaching me to listen to His still small voice. I long to share it with Elizabeth. But how? I trust in God’s timing. One day, God will allow me to share this transformation with my beautiful bride.
The time finally arrives. Elizabeth brings forth our son. Relatives and friends rejoice with us over this miracle baby. Praises to God echo through the valleys and hills south of Jerusalem. On day eight, the day Jewish babies are circumcised, the officials ask my wife what name to give the boy. I smile as she boldly says, “John.” The authorities argued with her because no one in our family carried that name. Turning to me, they motion for me to write the name down. I open my mouth and shout, “His name shall be called John!”
Immediately, the angel’s words surface, “You will be mute and unable to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time.” Filled with the Holy Spirit, I drop to my knees and begin praising God. All in God’s perfect timing. Praise releases. Humbleness flows. Love ignites.
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All this happened to Zacharias while he was serving the Lord. How many times do we question or doubt God in the midst of serving Him? How often do we allow fear to overtake us as God answers our prayers?
It is in the SILENT times that we learn to LISTEN. Are you experiencing silence? Are you listening?
Hidden in the word SILENT is the word LISTEN.
Scramble the letters to find both. Like Zacharias, we can all learn something from this little assignment.
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal