The angel answered, “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 proper time.” Luke 1:19-20 (NIV)
Zechariah is in the Temple and confronted by an angel of the Lord. The angel just brought him some startling if not happy message that they would soon be parents. Zechariah could not believe his ears. He asked for some proof. Can we imagine that? Is it not enough that an angel from heaven appears in person? So as to give weight to his words the angel tells us his name. Then he gives us this description to confirm his authority. He says,” I stand in the Presence of God!” He goes on to say, “What is more is that I have been sent by God to give this special news.”
Do we think these reasons are enough for us? If someone came from another realm for the express purpose of conveying to us what the Creator wants us to know, should we listen? Would we listen? Is there a higher opinion to which we can go? Should we even get a second opinion? Should we hold off the thought until we have spoken to some close friend or relative? Or should we let down our guard and allow the weight of the situation to dawn upon us?
Or maybe we have not yet decided to give God the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps we are holding out making a decision on whether or not He exists? Are we holding our own cards? Are we the authority on the subject of Deity? Do we have the power, wisdom, and enough information already to make a calculated guess? Can we gamble on our own powers of perception or deduction? Can we afford to rest on our own experience? Or is there the slightest possibility that our hearts have tampered with? Is it possible that our selfish and egotistical nature would love to be proven right for some secret reason? Could we even fool ourselves? If there is a slight chance that we are not always 100% right, could we be able to consider the Word that confronts us from above?
Zechariah was given the opportunity to see where the world had clouded his eyes to the Presence and movements of the Lord. The angel brought it to his attention and gave him his proof. Unfortunately his slight failure to believe came with a gentle reminder of the existence and might of God. He was left without voice until the baby had been born. Do we think that this story gives us a little window of opportunity too? Is it possible that this message was especially given directly to us? Can we learn from hearing of the responses others had to the Word sent from above? Could it be wise for us to choose to err on the side of God? If we could convince our hearts to let God have the benefit of the doubt, is there a possibility that things may go better for us? Or are we holding out for a sign or some harder proof?
Dear Father in Heaven, we read of normal people who were visited by messengers sent from You. We may not know when or from where our message will come. If it pleases You, send us strength of will to open ourselves to the words You send us. Prepare our hearts to receive any message from You and know that it needs no further proof. Send our message please with a considerable dose of faith and reassurance that You ARE and that You are worthy and capable! Guard us against the wayward nature of our race and any devious attack from any source that would not let us come into a very real and personal knowledge of You.
Amen
Searching For Christ 
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