“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 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. 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.” Luke 1:18-20 NIV
I can only imagine how difficult it was for Zechariah to wait the nine long months through Elizabeth’s pregnancy. It must have seemed like an eternity waiting for the opportunity to speak again! When the day of John’s birth finally arrived I imagine Zechariah rejoiced not only in the birth of his son, but also in the anticipation of regaining his voice. Yet it didn’t happen on the day of John’s birth, God chose instead to wait until the eighth day! What was that week like for Zechariah? If you’ve ever had to wait for anything God has promised, you know how challenging it can be. I’m guessing that the questions and doubt in his mind were raging. He must have replayed the conversation with Gabriel over in his mind a thousand times, wondering exactly what “day” he was referring to. What if the “day” was not the day of his birth, but later in his life when he would minister in the power and spirit of Elijah? Surely he longed to speak words of affection to this tiny newborn baby he held in his arms…to encourage his wife, who had carried this child in her old age…to express his gratitude to God who had shown them great favor in blessing them with this child who would prepare the hearts of the people to embrace their long awaited Messiah! Yet the silence continued for seven long days!
“On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” Luke 1:59-64 NIV
Two things I like about Zechariah: 1. Although he had to wait longer than he probably expected, and no doubt wrestled with confusion, he learned from his mistake and remained faithful as He trusted God to do what He promised! He was careful to follow God’s law and circumcise his son on the eighth day and he was careful to name his son John, as God had instructed. May we learn to remain faithful even when we’re confused and don’t understand the timing of the Lord, never doubting His faithfulness. 2. As soon as his tongue was set free, he began praising God! In all those months of silence, Zechariah had time to think and to wonder in awe at the power of His God. He didn’t waver in his trust, but rejoiced as he watched the prophecy of the angel play out. He may have doubted when Gabriel first delivered the message, but by the time he speaks, all doubt is removed and the only word worthy of his voice is a word of praise! May we count our words valuable, and remember that there is no greater purpose for my voice than to speak the praise of our God!