So straight to it. This is part three after all - so limited preamble. (Though you might want to read parts 1 & 2 to get up to speed.)There are two how? questions asked in Luke's first chapter. At first glance they seem similar. First glances can be deceiving; or at least limited. There is a subtle difference in the questions. Maybe better stated, there is a difference in the belief behind the questions.
So it's taken three posts to finally point out the difference in the two questions - the two hows?. Here it is (and this is very much my interpretation. Feel free to disagree.): One how? is a question of doubt. The other how? is a question of amazement and wonder. (Yep, you read three posts to get to that.)
How? can reveal a heart of doubt.
How? can express faithful wonder.
Zechariah asks how? when told by God, through an angel that his wife Elizabeth is going to bear a son.* In his how? we hear doubt and disbelief. Now I don't want to be too hard on old Z. First, he's faithfully served God and the people his entire life. Secondly, I can be the king of DOUBTING HOW? and don't have quite enough hypocrite in me to point the finger.
Gabriel confirms Zechariah's how? is a doubting how?: "You will be silent and unable to speak until the time... because you did not believe my words..." (v10). It is easy to read right through that. I wonder why God, via Gabriel, shut down Zechariah's ability to speak. (And this thought just came to me. It's not where I planned to go, but I'm going to see where it leads. Meaning... I don't think we'll wrap this up in part 3.)
The angel's response to Z's how? seems a little harsh. "You won't be able to speak until this promise is fulfilled; until your son is born." Every time I've read this I thought: "Dang, a bit much." Mute for at least nine months. (Who knows, maybe this was a literal God-send to his wife Elizabeth.)
Is this punishment? Maybe. But I don't think that's really it. The writer of Hebrews tells us God lovingly disciplines his children. It can be unpleasant and confusing. But our Father is purposeful in carving our character and shaping us more into the image of Jesus.**
However, I think there is more going on. Zechariah is given an incredible promise. He can't wrap his mind around it. He can't wrap his faith around it. And his words verbalize his doubt. More than that - his words betray the heart of faith he has always had.
Remember, Gabriel confirms that Zechariah has been praying for this very thing - a son. God has heard and answered. Jesus said, "Ask... Seek... Knock..." Too often, this is where I fail (you?). I don't ask enough. I don't seek relentlessly. I don't knock until my knuckles hurt. But apparently Zechariah has.
So I have this question: Though Zechariah has served his God faithfully; though Zechariah has asked his God specifically; has Zechariah forgotten that his God loves him personally?
I am too old... Not, "God, you can't pull it off." Not, "God this is over even you're powerfully-exalted head."
I am the problem... I am the weak variable in this equation.
It is almost as if God answers: "Yes, you are correct. Yes, you are weak. Yes, you are too old. Yes, you are a faithful waverer... a Stumbler Walking. Shush now. Silence. Quiet yourself. And watch this..."
You are too weak... But I am powerful.
You are too old... But I am the Ancient of Days.
You are not... But I Am!
Now be quiet. Be quiet and know that I am God.
Your words are betraying you.
They are falsely making your doubts to be bigger than your faith.
The last words you spoke were words of doubt.
With your next words you will name a son!
Zechariah's words reflect my heart. God's response overwhelms my spirit.
Here is some good news: Even in Zechariah's doubt, God fulfilled his promise.
A reminder: God is not bound by our doubts. He is bigger.
God, I am all the things that make it impossible. You are the One who makes all things possible. As a father once responded to Jesus, "I believe. Please help me in my unbelief!"
For now,
D
*Angel in the original Greek writing is translated simply as messenger. Here it is the angel Gabriel, who, according to his proclamation in verse 19 stands in the heavenly presence of God and was sent specifically to Zechariah specifically with this good-news message.
**The purpose of this post is not to detail a theology of discipline or suffering. However, you might read Hebrews 12. As you do, allow the words of Paul to ring true: "...He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...; For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 1:6; 2:13)
