Luke 1:18-25
Zacharias doubted God’s word? “For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” (18b) He could not see
beyond the natural obstacles to the greatness of God and His messenger [Gabriel]. Zacharias disappointment in
not having a child dampened his ability to receive God’s promise in faith. Rather than being focused on God’s
greatness and faithfulness, all he could see was the natural barriers to God’s promise. But Gabriel responded with
a rebuke: “…’I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God,…” (19b). God’s ability to keep His word is not the
issue, but our perceptions can hinder our faith. It is not what we see, but what God says that we should focus on
and celebrate. God silenced Zacharias voice until the promise was fulfilled. Does our focus and the resulting
words we speak interfere with our faith in God’s Word. However, Elizabeth saw this as God’s favor and a removal
of her disgrace. How we respond to God’s promises depends on our focus and resulting perspective?