Zecharias Doubt

Sometimes hearing something that you have read many times gives you a new understanding and insight into it. Take Luke 1:18-20 for example. Have someone read it out loud to you. Maybe you will “hear” something new as well.
Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Having just finished the Christmas season we have all probably heard poor Zacharias savaged for his doubt of Gabriel’s promise of a son, John. And, indeed Gabriel did say those exact words. But do not skip the words spoken before that. Zacharias did doubt, as evidenced by his words. But listen to the deeper meaning that he mouthed.

“How will I know for certain...?” He was not sure that he could believe what he heard, but he did not just ask to be reassured. He asked for a sign. That was in comparison to Mary, who also wondered at what was told her, but did not ask for a sign. Zacharias asked for a guarantee.

I heard that and was struck with the thought that Zacharias did not simply express doubt, he asked for a sign. And, looking back into Judges, we find that God does indeed give signs to confirm His messages. Judges 6:17
So Gideon said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speak with me.

You recall the story. Gideon asked not for one sign, but for two. He asked for a wet fleece with dry ground and then a dry fleece with wet ground. Both of his “tests” were satisfied. It is maybe a wise thing that he did not let the Angel of the Lord choose his test, as Zacharias did.

The point of both of these incidents is not that God will answer our requests for confirmation when He speaks, but that He is honored and glorified when we believe without the support of “proof.” Mary was an example of that.

Zacharias’ test was indeed confirmed when the baby was born and Zacharias was called upon to name his son. At that point, his faith was certainly justified, and he spoke, not just the name, but a paean of praise to the Lord. Aside: If you were mute for nine months, what would be the first thing out of your mouth?

A novice monk joined an order whose rule was that each member could only say one word a year. The first year passed and when it came his time to speak he said, “The.” A year later, he used his one word to utter, “...food.” Twelve months later the speaking day arrived and he said, “...is.” On the fourth anniversary of his membership he finished his thought, “...terrible.”

The leader of the group, who had the privilege of multiple words took him aside and informed him that, “You’re fired!”

“Why?” he burst out. The monk looked at him sadly, wrote a note, and left.

“All you do is complain,” it said.

Obviously, Zacharias had a better use for his first words after a break. And, they seem to be evidence that he no longer had doubts. His prophecies are in Luke 1:67-78
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant—70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—71 Salvation from our enemies, And from the hand of all who hate us; 72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, 74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, 78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

He was like his namesake, the Zechariah of old, and prophesied. Our friend, Alexander Scorby, of recorded Bible renown, says, “Read the Bible, it’s good for your soul.” Or we might rephrase that, “Listen to the Bible.”