Is This for Real? Luke 1:18
Zechariah didn’t say it that way. Zechariah was performing his priestly duties in the Temple when the angel told him that God had heard there prayers and he and Elizabeth would have a son.
What Zechariah said to the angel was, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Sounds like reasonable doubt, almost.
But not the right response considering hoe the news had been given. The angel Gabriel appeared frightening Zechariah. Startled he hears Gabriel, say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel, the messenger messenger of God then delivers the news to Zechariah that his son named John, who would be great before the Lord, would be born. Zechariah then looks at this angel of God and says, “How can this be?”
The angel spoke, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. … you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
Bad move Zechariah and yet we have made our own bad moves haven’t we.
God in His grace was patient with Zechariah. His plans to prepare the way for His Son were carried out through the birth and life of Zechariah’s son, John. What was it like for Zechariah to not speak until John was born with each day his muteness reminding him of his unbelief? Yet each day was one day closer to his son being born and the promise fulfilled. Each day the promise comes closer for us. It is for real. Come Lord Jesus, come.
Question of the week: “What is Epiphany?”
Answer: Epiphany is an ancient church festival celebrating the magi’s visit to the Christ Child (Matthew 2:1-12). It is kept on January 6. Epiphany is also called “Twelfth Day” because January 6 is twelve days after Christmas; the eve of Epiphany is called “Twelfth Night.” It is celebrated mainly in Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and other liturgical churches.
The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation.” Thus, the holiday celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the magi (see Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:32). For some, Epiphany also commemorates the baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22) and His turning water into wine (John 2:1-11)—manifestations of Christ’s divinity to the world.
