One had to feel some sympathy for Zacharias. Here was a man, trying to serve God faithfully and carrying out his duties as a priest. On this particular day "as was the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter [the sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense [on the altar of incense]. And all the congregation was praying outside [in the court of the temple] at the hour of the incense offering. And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense" (Luke 1:9-11, AMP). Understandably, "when Zacharias saw the angel, he was troubled and overcome with fear" (v. 12).
While Zacharias was clearly not expecting this other-worldly visitor, this visitor was expecting him. Not only that, but he called him by his name as he delivered his special and very specific message: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your petition [in prayer] was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John" (v. 13). According to the narrative, the message continued for another four verses (vv. 14-17), but it wouldn't be surprising if all
the old priest
heard was verse 13. A son? He and Elizabeth? Prayers that were previously prayed when they were younger had not been answered and so were now forgotten. Yet, here was this visitor basically telling him those forgotten prayers had not been forgotten by God. He and Elizabeth, in their advanced years, would
have
a son. Luke tells us, "Zacharias said to the angel, 'How will I be certain of this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in age'" (v. 18). This was a perfectly legitimate question! According to some sources, he was
now
ninety-nine years old and Elizabeth eighty-eight. For sure he would have known about Abraham and Sarah, but in the moment that did not come to mind. His thoughts were on his and Elizabeth's situation.
This moment of questioning would cost him, albeit temporarily, for "the angel replied and said to him, 'I am Gabriel; I stand and minister in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent [by Him] to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Listen carefully, you will be continually silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe what I told you; but my words will be fulfilled at their proper time'” (vv. 19-20).
The narrative confirms
that when Zach came out of the temple, he could only make signs to the people and remained mute (v. 22). Struck dumb for questioning God's ability to do the impossible; for considering the physical limitations of himself and his wife instead of trusting in the sovereignty, power, and awesomeness of the God he worshipped.
Isn't it a bit of a relief to know that God doesn't exercise the same type of discipline He did on Zacharias on those of us who doubt His ability today? More than a few of us would be mute and using sign language! Prayers we have prayed and forgotten have not been forgotten by God. We are told that after Zacharias went home, "his wife Elizabeth became pregnant . . . and she gave birth to a son" (vv. 24, 57). Words "fulfilled at their proper time," just like the angel had said (v. 20). Just like God had promised.
Have you forgotten unanswered prayers you have prayed because so much time has passed and things have changed significantly against you? You can still believe God for the now seemingly impossible. He hasn't forgotten your prayers. Just ask Zacharias!
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