A Faithful Role-Reversal

Scripture: And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David.

Luke 1:67-69

 

Observation: Zechariah doubted the message of God delivered by Gabriel, and became a mute for ~10 months. When John was born and Zechariah proved himself faithful in naming his son as commanded, his punishment was removed. However, beyond that, he was then blessed with the Holy Spirit and delivers the message of God ... he pronounces (albeit restated) the message he received from Gabriel, that the Messiah is about to come, and his son John will be the one who prepares the way for he Lord.

 

By showing faith, Zechariah immediately goes from doubter to deliverer of the word of God.

 

Application: There are times when I want to deliver the word of God, and for some reason I don't. I need to honestly evaluate my heart and ask myself this question: Do I fail because I doubt?

 

If I doubt God, then it becomes problematic for God to fill me with the Holy Spirit in order to do his work, whether it be actions toward others, service in the church, or speaking of his word. Doubt is rooted in a lack of faith, which becomes fear, and eventually grows into a lack of obedience and potential sin. Doubt is a lens I can use to evaluate my faith, then, and see where I stand.

 

Zechariah had prayed for a child, but when he was told he would have one he doubted. God responded by telling Zechariah the good news of the coming of the Messiah, but sealing his voice so he couldn't deliver the message. When Zechariah cast aside his doubt and fear, God allowed him to speak, and Zechariah boldly delivered God's message.

 

Do I have a word from God given to me right now, but I cannot deliver it because I doubt God in some way? I should evaluate this, and if so cast aside the fear and doubt so I can become his voice to those around me.

 

Prayer: Lord, please show me if and where I may be doubting you right now ... guide me toward any area where I may be hesitating out of fear, and help to me renew my faith. I wish to always say 'yes' to you - to be your servant and do your will - so please forgive me if there is an area in my life where my doubt is inhibiting your Spirit from using me. Cleans me of that so I may do all you ask of me. Amen.