Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous before God. They were advanced in years but had no children. This story reminds us of Abraham and Sarah and their situation. Thankfully for Zechariah and Elizabeth, they won’t have to wait decades for their child. John will play a major role in God’s plan.

Zechariah was serving as a priest when the angel, Gabriel, came to him in the temple to announce that they would have a child. Zechariah was terrified at his presence. Gabriel spoke of John and how he would be filled with the Spirit and how would make ready the way of the Lord. How would you have reacted to this news? Would you have believed? Abraham must have had some doubts about Isaac but we never read of him questioning God about his promises. Sarah on the other hand did show signs of doubt as she made a plan for Abraham to have an heir through Hagar.

Zechariah will unfortunately follow in the footsteps of Sarah. He questions Gabriel about how he can know this will come to be. Zechariah is unable to speak until these things come to pass. What a long few months that must have been without the ability to speak as he waited for the birth of John.

Elizabeth is joyful that the Lord has answered her prayers.

Do we trust in the promises of God? Do we want proof that God will do all that he has said? Have we ever asked God for a sign to prove to us that he is there and working in our lives? Some doubt is normal. We can’t know everything. This is where faith comes into play. Abraham showed us the importance of simply trusting God. Instead of wanting God to prove himself, let’s turn to his word and see what he has already done for us. Then let us look at our own lives and see how we can better live for him each day.