“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1.18-25
The other day, I was scrolling on Instagram and came across two pictures of angels. One depicted our common image: a human with wings, handsome and mighty. The other was Ezekiel’s depiction, which looked like a giant golden spinning wheel with wings and hundreds of eyes—very bizarre! I tend to believe most angels look more human-like, based on their appearances in the New Testament. Yet, if I were Zechariah and saw any angelic being before me, I hope the first words out of my mouth would express faith, not doubt or questions.
I recently praised Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth as God-fearing people. This remains true, but they weren’t without flaws. Zechariah proves this when, after the angel tells him he will have a son, he says, “Are you sure?” What, Zechariah? First, you’re being spoken to by a messenger of God, an angel of the Lord. Second, you’re in the Holy of Holies, a place no one else is allowed to enter. Why would God lie, and why would you doubt His messenger?
Before the angel Gabriel, Zechariah reveals himself as somewhat foolish—or perhaps he was just rattled, as the angel does say, “Do not be afraid.” Gabriel explains the situation and then tells him, “You will not be able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true.” Zechariah was given an incredible assignment, and the first thing he offers is doubt? Come on, man!
But Elizabeth, who becomes pregnant while her husband remains silent, attributes her blessing to God: “The Lord has done this for me. He has shown favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Perhaps Zechariah should have answered in the moment with gratitude rather than doubt.
Our answer to God matters. How we reply when He moves in our lives makes a difference. If we’re unsure whether it’s God, we can recall the verse: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We should greet every good gift as if it’s from God—because it is—with thankfulness and gratitude.
Whatever God is doing in your life, let it be met with an acknowledgment of faith, belief, gratitude, and thankfulness. He is working among us to accomplish His good works, and the very idea that He chooses to use us still amazes me.
“Oh, my God, thank You for this day. You are good, and Your grace abounds in my life. Thank You for using me to spread Your word and be a witness to Your good works and Your kingdom. I know You are among us even now, that Your angels communicate Your message of hope, and that You involve us in Your mighty deeds of renewing this world. Have Your way among us. Show us your might. Restore our land. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen