2024_12_18 Insight Post- Rusty Coram

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This week’s reading- Luke 1:5-80

The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reminds us of God’s sovereignty, purposefulness, and grace. God knew that when Mary conceived Jesus, she could use the support of a trusted confidant. So, God orchestrated the pregnancy for Elizabeth and Zechariah long past their normal child-bearing ages. Elizabeth would have a unique perspective that would comfort and encourage Mary. The timing was perfect!

Zechariah and Mary had something in common: both were given the news of miraculous births by God’s messenger, Gabriel. Both Mary and Zechariah asked Gabriel about the announcement, but they did so in very different ways. Mary humbly said to Gabriel after hearing that she would be bearing a son, says, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” (Luke 1:34). Once Gabriel explained, Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:39) Zechariah’s response to Gabriel’s news was more of a challenge than a question, Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (Luke 1:18) Zechariah is obviously caught off guard and shocked by the news which is sure understandable but the problem is his distrust. If he had said something like, “Elizabeth and I have wanted children our whole married life, and this comes as a shock,” maybe Gabriel’s response would have been different. Still, as a priest and leader, Zechariah’s reply deserved a rebuke, and it came in the form of losing his voice for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Losing his voice was humbling but a constant reminder of God deserving humble and unrestricted trust and obedience. During his silent months, Zechariah was aware of how awesome God is, and during the sixth month, when Mary came and told the news of her coming birth, Zechariah was certainly a quick believer and supporter.

God disciplines us to correct us and reinforce the truths we need to build our lives on. His discipline is always from a desire for what is best for us and others. The teaching in Proverbs was very familiar to Zechariah.

“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 3:11–12 (NLT)

We would all do well to remember it, too!

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor