Zacharias

Dear Friendly People,
    Here is another common piece of scripture you probably know well. Turn your attention to Zacharias' position in society. He has an honorable place in God's service. Yet, when he meets an angelic being his response is everything but super spiritual, verse 18. I wonder if in the waiting for his dream to come true he got weary. The angel says, "Don't fear, you will have a son, , this will bring such joy for you, even your friends will rejoice with you, we have already named him for you."  Shouldn't he be leaping for joy? Where is the faith of a man who is allowed to offer sacrifices at the altar?  God knew his thoughts before the encounter even happened. In verses 15-17 the Angel tells him of the great anointing this child will have, the great work he will do for God. We have great understanding of Zacharias' all too human reaction. When our dream finally manifests itself, we are reluctant and cautious to pour our confidence in it.  God knew all along what his response would be and that Zacharias would have to be disciplined. God also knew he could be trusted with this great honor.
 Luke 1
 V11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him (Zacharias), standing to the right of the altar of incense.  (He had been selected by lot to enter the the temple and burn incense, according to the priestly office).
V12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
V13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
V14 "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
V15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. V16 "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.
V17 "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THEIR CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
 V18 Zacharias said, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years."
V19 The angel answered and said to him," I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
V20 "And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
   Everyone is sure he has had a vision. When he finishes his duties he goes home and his wife becomes pregnant.
V59 And it happened on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child and they were going to call him Zacharias.
V60-61 They let everyone know they were sticking with tradition, and  did not want to name the child  John.
V62-63 They  look to Zacharias and are astonished to learn that he agrees with the name John.
V64 at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he began to praise God.
V65 fear came upon the people at who this child might be.
V67 Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophecy.  (verses 68-79)
V78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the sunrise from on high will visit us,
V79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.

We sometimes look at the disappointments and embarrassments we face as our lot in life. We should always be ready for the circumstance to change divinely for us. God says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" and  "God fills the desires of our heart."  Do not lose your faith in well-doing, don't become weary. Be patient ....... Never give up, Never give in!