The Luke Project Vol 1- The Gospel in SongParaugs

Do Not Be Afraid Zacharias 1:5-25

Has God ever spoken something crazy to you? Something so unbelievable that you’re left feeling incredibly confused? Zacharias can sympathize with you.

Luke refers to the priest, Zacharias, and his wife, Elizabeth, as “advanced in years” and we learn that Elizabeth is barren. Being “righteous in the sight of God,” they were committed to serving God. One day, Zacharias was chosen by lot to do the incense burning. This may seem like it happened by chance, but nothing is by chance with God. There were thousands of priests in the country at this time. God chose Zacharias to do this work and had a plan for him. 

While in the temple performing his duty,  Zacharias was visited by an Angel. He was gripped with fear, prompting the angel to say, “Do not be afraid Zacharias.” The angel told him the best news in the world! Not only was God answering his prayer with a son, but their son would prepare the way for the Messiah!

Zacharias could have immediately rejoiced and praised God for these two miracles.  Instead, Zacharias is struck with utter disbelief! He completely glosses over the fact that the Messiah is coming and instead focuses on the absurdity of his barren wife becoming pregnant! “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years?”

I imagine the angel being somewhat annoyed by Zacharias’s response. We see this in what the angel says next…  “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.” Basically, “How dare you question God’s message to you!” Zacharias, still stunned, earns some quiet time for his reaction. Gabriel tells Zacharias that he will remain mute because of his disbelief.

How often do we do the same thing? We want to see God’s word come to pass before we believe and rejoice. If only we would believe what He speaks to us and immediately rejoice and obey! 

God still blessed Elizabeth and Zacharias with a son, but Zacharias brought unnecessary suffering on himself.  The very next time Zacharias was able to speak, he was compelled to praise and glorify God in prophecy! (Luke 1:67-68) 

I often wonder what’s keeping me from praising and obeying God daily. Why isn’t it the natural way I respond to God’s work in my life? My natural response is to lean on proof instead of leaning on the promise of God. This section reminds me to praise God first, making Him my focus. When I do that, the proof will be revealed in God’s time. 

I want my response to God to be more like Elizabeth’s. Today, our song ends with Elizabeth becoming pregnant and bursting into a song of praise! She sings how her barren disgrace has been wiped away!

God uses the most unlikely people for His incredible plan. He chose on old barren couple to bring into the world one who would make way for Jesus. It reminds me that nothing is impossible with God!

What will God speak to you today? Will you listen? Will you obey? Will you respond like Zacharias or will you sing like Elizabeth?