Signs in the Silence: A Listening Ear And A Growing 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.
The Humble Servant: Faith in the God of the Impossible
Mary's faith is a model for us. She believed in the impossible because she believed in the God who can do all things. Her humility reminds us that true servanthood is rooted in obedience, even when the path is unclear or the cost is high. It's not just about believing but about living out that belief in obedience to God's will.
Doubt and Consequences – Learning to Take God at His Word
Here was a priest who knew the Scriptures—he should have remembered God’s miraculous provision for Abraham and Sarah or Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Gabriel’s response was swift and firm: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God.” It was a reminder of God’s authority and the seriousness of rejecting His word. The priest who doubted would now be silenced until these words were fulfilled as both a sign and a consequence.