Luke 1:18-23
Here Zacharias responded to the angel’s good news (v.13). He asked the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years” (v.18). The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings (v.19). But behold, 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” (v.20).
God’s word is truth; it is always our advantage to believe and not doubt because there are consequences. Gabriel foretold that Zacharias will be unable to speak until these prophecies are fulfilled. What God promises to do, we must trust that He is well able to do just what He said. Numbers 23:19 (NLT) declares: “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” We know the answer.
While the people waited for Zacharias outside the temple, they wondered why he lingered so long in the temple (v.21). When he came out, unable to speak, they knew he had seen a vision; he beckoned to them but did not say a thing (v.22). So, as soon as he completed his days of service in the temple, he went home (v.23). Today, trust the fulfillment of the Lord’s message of promise and grace.
Lift your voice and give God glory!