Scripture to Read: Luke 1:64–66
Zacharias had shown a lack of faith in Luke 1:18–20, “Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Due to his lack of faith, God silenced him. But once Zacharias had written that his son’s name would be John, we read in Luke 1:64–66, “And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 65 Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.” God immediately restored Zacharias’ voice, for Zacharias had demonstrated his complete trust in God and in all that God had done to bless him with his newborn son. Note too that as soon as Zacharias was given back his voice, “he began to speak in praise of God.” Zacharias was not bitter, but he had grown in his trust of God.
Challenge & Application
When God lovingly disciplines you (Hebrews 12:5–11), how do you respond and why?
How has your faith in God grown through the loving discipline He has walked you through?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!