Zechariah and Elizabeth, part 2

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Yesterday we read about the priest Zechariah and how an angel appeared to him while he was serving in the temple. The angel told Zechariah that even though he and his wife were older and hadn't been able to have kids, they would have a son. Not just any son either; their son John would be a prophet announcing God's salvation for Israel. In today's reading Zechariah responds with some practical questions. For those of us who have questions about our faith, the angel's response seems unfair. At the same time, Zechariah keeps the promise and his months of silence must give him a new perspective on listening to God.

Blessings on your day,
Sam


Luke 1: 18-25
¹⁸Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” ¹⁹The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. ²⁰But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”


²¹Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. ²²When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. ²³When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. ²⁴After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ²⁵“This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”