Happy Thanksgiving! Amidst the backdrop of this strange time, may we be more forcefully intentional about giving thanks for something the world cannot take away: our God is on the Throne, and there He will remain. The Word is true, and we know that God desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3.9). Acts 17.26-27 says that this whole world was made so mankind “would seek God, if perhaps [we] might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us”.

God is near. God loves us and the world is centered on us finding Him. Though He loves our faith, we know that He is not a God that strikes us down for our questions, fears, or doubts (see: Gideon laying out fleece, Abraham pleading for Sodom). Yet today, we find someone God is near to, and that God loves...get instantly penalized for expressing doubt?

Let’s unpack why this may have been.

Luke 1.18-20

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why was Zecharaiah made mute? How long would this last? [v. 20]

+ Zechariah was a priest and, pre-Christ, was in the temple near to God. Do you think his proximity had anything to do with his penalty?

+ Do you think the time Zechariah could not speak had an impact on his meditation on the miracle he was a part of? How might this time have made him more useful for God’s service?

+ Zechariah’s wife would conceive one of the most God-filled people ever to walk the face of the earth, a person who would proclaim the coming of Christ. Do you think the importance of the event in which Zechariah was showing unbelief was in any way connected with his penalty?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do you believe God’s promises and that, by His hand, anything is possible? Are you close enough that you can feel His promises? If He told you to believe that great things are possible, would you? Further reading reveals Zechariah to be a faithful person.

+ What lessons can you take from today’s reading?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?