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December 18

A Tough Lesson

Text: Luke 1:22-23

I sometimes wonder what I will be like when I get old. I mean—I am already a bit of a grumpy guy right now. What would I be like at 70 or 80 or maybe 90 (though I probably won’t last that long)? Zechariah and Elizabeth, relatives of Mary, were old. They always wanted to have a child, but it was not in God’s plan. Though the text doesn’t say this, they probably came to terms with this years before. 

But something amazing happened. Zechariah finally was given the opportunity to burn incense in the temple, which was a rare privilege in the life of a priest. He was super excited, grinning all the way to Jerusalem. But as he was fulfilling his responsibility, an angel showed up, telling him that they are going to have a son. I am sure it caught Zechariah off guard, but then he didn’t believe the angel. Bad call. The judgment of the Lord came down. 

And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. (Luke 1:22-23) 

No talking. 9 months. That was quite a punishment. 

Of course, God is gracious. Zechariah was a godly man and he learned from this. There is nothing sweeter than the aged still progressing in maturity. God did a miracle in their lives. God was about to do another miracle in Mary and Joseph’s life. God wants to do miracles in your life. Are you ready for them? Mary was ready. Zechariah was not. Be ready. Christmas is coming.