Signs in the Silence: A Listening Ear And A Growing Faith
Scripture: Luke 1:62-63\ "And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered." (Luke 1:62–63, ESV)
The Crowd Waits for an Answer
The room was alive with murmurs and whispers, like an anxious white noise—sounds but not clear words from a gathered crowd when something unexpected happens. The day had started with joy—a celebration of the eighth day, the moment to circumcise the baby boy and formally welcome him into the covenant community. The neighbors and relatives had filled Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home, eager to witness the traditions of their faith and to see this miraculous child born to a couple well beyond childbearing years.
But when Elizabeth spoke, declaring with resolute confidence, “No; he shall be called John,” the crowd’s joy turned to confusion. "John?" The name wasn’t in the family lineage. It wasn’t expected. Surely, she was mistaken.
Heads turned, eyebrows raised, and the crowd began to murmur. They didn’t want to question Elizabeth—after all, she was the mother. But tradition was at stake. Surely, the father would set the record straight. With growing urgency, they turned to Zechariah, gesturing to him, hoping he would confirm that the boy would carry his name, the name of his father.
Zechariah’s Silent Obedience
For nine months, Zechariah had been unable to speak. Struck mute by the angel Gabriel for doubting God’s promise, he had lived in a world of silence. Some scholars believe he was also deaf, as the crowd made signs to him rather than speaking aloud (Luke 1:62). The inability to communicate must have been both humbling and isolating.
Yet, in that silence, Zechariah’s heart had been transformed. He had witnessed God’s faithfulness, seeing Elizabeth’s pregnancy progress and feeling the stirrings of hope fulfilled. Now, as the crowd pressed him for an answer, he motioned for a writing tablet. All eyes watched as he etched each letter with deliberate care: His name is John.
The reaction was immediate. "John?" the crowd murmured again. They marveled. This wasn’t a suggestion or a request—Zechariah’s words carried the certainty of obedience. The name had already been given by God through Gabriel, and Zechariah’s faith now aligned with that divine command.
The Name That Spoke of Grace
John. A simple name with profound meaning. Derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, it means “The Lord is gracious.” How fitting for the child who would prepare the way for Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God’s grace. This was no ordinary name chosen from family tradition or personal preference. It was a declaration of God’s character and a glimpse into the child’s mission.
Zechariah and Elizabeth’s choice to name their son John was an act of obedience and trust. They understood that this child’s life belonged to God, and his purpose would be defined not by earthly traditions but by heavenly calling.
A Shared Smile of Faith
As Zechariah’s tablet revealed the name John, a wordless, wide-eyed wonder spread through the room. The whispers rose again, questions darting from one person to another. Why John? What could this mean?
But in the midst of the commotion, imagine the quiet moment shared between Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their eyes met, a knowing smile exchanged. Elizabeth, proud of her husband’s courage, and Zechariah, grateful for her steadfast faith. In their shared obedience, they had honored God’s will and proclaimed His work to their community.
In that moment, the confusion of the crowd faded into the background. Zechariah and Elizabeth stood as a united testimony to the power of faith and the joy of trusting in God’s plan.
Reflection: Lessons from Zechariah and Elizabeth
The story of John’s naming invites us to consider our own obedience to God’s calling. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we may find ourselves in situations where following God’s will means going against expectations or traditions. It may even invite criticism or confusion from those around us. Yet, their example reminds us that God’s plans are always worth trusting.
Their story also highlights the beauty of redemption. Zechariah’s initial doubt had led to silence, but in that silence, God worked in his heart. When the time came to act in faith, Zechariah did so with boldness and clarity, affirming the name God had chosen for his son.
Practical Applications
- Trust in God’s Plan: Even when it doesn’t make sense to those around you, trust that God’s ways are higher and better than our own. Be bold in your obedience.
- Celebrate God’s Grace: John’s name proclaimed the Lord’s graciousness. Take time to reflect on how God’s grace has been evident in your life, and share that testimony with others.
- Embrace the Waiting: Like Zechariah, use seasons of silence or waiting to grow in faith. Trust that God is working in your heart, preparing you for what He has planned.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the transformative story of Zechariah—a man who grew in faith during his silence and waiting. Teach me to trust Your plan, even when it requires a season of stillness and reflection. Help me to embrace moments of quiet as opportunities to draw closer to You, to listen more intently, and to grow in obedience. May my faith, like Zechariah’s, move from doubt to bold proclamation of Your goodness. Shape my life to reflect Your grace, courage, and truth. Amen.
Quote to Consider
"By obeying Christ’s commands you will gain more than you can give." —Thomas Brooks
Encouragement
Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story reminds us that God is a God of second chances. Even in silence and waiting, He is working in our hearts, growing our faith and preparing us for His purposes. Like Zechariah, we can move from doubt to obedience, experiencing the joy and privilege of being part of God’s plan. This Advent season, let’s trust Him fully and proclaim His goodness boldly.
