Deeper Reflection
This is a curious ending to an otherwise wonderful story. We expect a happy ending to this happy announcement. Yet it ended with Zechariah’s punishment instead. Why do you think Zechariah was punished? Was it fair? Maybe he was afraid. After all, how many of us are used to meeting angels? Let us think about this a little further.First, if God were to meet you, where would you expect Him to turn up? Now ask yourself, where was Zechariah when the angel Gabriel appeared to him (see Lk 1:8-9, 11)? Second, consider this: What had Zechariah and Elizabeth been asking God for all these years of her barrenness? Did they not expect God to hear and answer their prayers? Third, reflect on this: Were there episodes in God’s dealing with Israel’s patriarchal families where “barren” women became pregnant (see Gen 11:30; 21:1-2; 25:21; 29:31)? Would Zechariah, as a priest, be well aware of such historical accounts?Having considered the above, do you think that it was unfair for such a judgment to come upon Zechariah? Let us now turn the spotlight on ourselves as God’s people today. If we have walked with God and served Him for some years, would God expect us to have grown in knowing His faithfulness and believing Him at His word? What is our faith level currently? How can we learn to trust God more?
