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.
Obedience in Silence: Trusting God While Others Watch
It was the custom for a firstborn son to carry his father’s name or that of a close relative. It honored the family and carried forward its legacy. So when Elizabeth, with unwavering resolve, declared, “No; he shall be called John,” the room must have fallen silent.
Confused glances darted back and forth. Whispers rose like steam when you pull the lid off a boiling pot from the crowd. "None of your relatives is called by this name," someone protested (Luke 1:61). Why John? Why abandon tradition for something so unexpected?
HIDDEN JOY – FROM SHAME TO HOPE
The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is part of something much bigger than we can imagine. John 21:25 reminds us, "There are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written._" God's story—His plan of salvation, His faithfulness, His power, and the hope He brings to His people- has been recorded across the ages and will never end. The miraculous pregnancy Zechariah and Elizabeth were given was a personal blessing and a powerful reminder that God always keeps His promises.