Zechariah and Elizabeth have no children. It’s obvious from later in this story that this was not a choice they made, it was a reproach to them. At that time, being barren was looked at as a judgment of God. People thought you probably had some secret sin in your life. Now the angel is telling Zechariah that Elizabeth is going to give him a son, and this child is going to be pretty incredible. So, is Zechariah dancing in the streets from this news? Let’s see.
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.’” Luke 1:18 (NLT)
Basically, he’s telling the angel that he thinks this is impossible because… “Have you seen us; we are too old to have kids, are you messing with me?” On the one hand, you really can’t blame him, God hadn’t been speaking for the last 400 years, so angels weren’t regularly giving people big messages like this. Plus, I’m sure after a lifetime of praying for his biggest heart’s desire, he had given up a long time ago on believing that God was going to answer that prayer. On the other hand, there is this heavenly being standing right in front of him, bringing this message. The angel let him know pretty quickly that he wasn’t too happy with Zechariah doubting his message.
“The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:19-20 (NLT)
Zechariah could only see his circumstances and the impossibility in them. Gabriel was bringing really good news, and he wasn’t believing him. The angel let him know who he was and what his credentials were for bringing this message. He stands in the presence of God, and if God says it, it will happen. Then he silences Zechariah before he can speak any other words of unbelief. This was God’s plan, and as the angel said, it would come true at the appointed time whether Zechariah had the faith for it to happen or not. Thankfully it was about God’s plan and promise being fulfilled and not Zechariah’s faith.
Today’s truth is this, “…if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)
Debbie's Perspective 
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Amen! I’m so glad to serve a God that is faithful even for someone as flawed as myself. He is true, when I’m a liar, He is whole, when I’m broken. He is love, when I’m full of hate and anger. Thank you God for your faithfulness.
I also love the slight humor in this story of the angel. Hello! If an angel appears to you, you should listen and not doubt…but just in case you do…the angel is likely to pull rank and put you in your place…seriously Zechariah, don’t you know who I am. I AM GABRIEL (emphasis mine). Good thing Gabriel is obedient and only silences Zechariah instead of stiking him dead. Aren’t we blessed to serve a God of Mercy and Grace?
Yes!