Doubts About God’s Message

By Joe Chesser     Even the best of men may sometimes be unsure about a message from God. Zechariah the priest was such a man. His story is found in Luke 1.     Both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (1.6). That’s impressive. You’d think that a man described in this way would never question what God says. Apparently he never questioned what God said in the Law. He kept that blamelessly. But, when Gabriel, an angel who stood in the presence of God (1.19) appeared to him with a personal message of good news from God (1.19), Zechariah’s strong faith and commitment was shaken.     You see, Zechariah and Elizabeth were “both advanced in years” ... and childless (1.7). Why did Gabriel’s message from God shake him up? Because the message was that God had heard their prayers, and that they would have a son (1.13). Unbelievable! Shocking! Zechariah wondered how could they have a child since they were both so old (1.18)? Things like that just don’t happen. So, Zechariah’s response to Gabriel was, “How shall I know this?” (1.18).     As we look back on this story we may wonder, “How dare he doubt both the message and the messenger? And especially after they had been praying for God to give them a child?” But he did, and because he did, even though he was otherwise a righteous and obedient servant of God, God struck him with silence until John was born (1.20).     There are some encouraging lessons in this story, as well as some warnings.     God’s plans are unstoppable. Even though Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s message, God’s plan for John to be born and do his marvelous work was fulfilled. Human doubts do not prevent God’s purposes.     Faith in God’s message is essential. Sometimes we need God’s consequences in order to take God at His word. We can learn from Zechariah to always trust what God says (Proverbs 3.5-6). Disbelieving God’s word is a sure way to unpleasant circumstances.     God is patient and merciful. Zechariah learned an invaluable lesson. God is patient with our weaknesses and uses our struggles to teach and grow us spiritually. God is patient with us, and we need to be patient with God (Isaiah 40.28-31).     God’s timing is perfect. We know Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child, likely for years, with no answer until the angel appeared. God chose them in their old age for John to be born at just the right time for His plan. Trust in God’s timing, even when it feels delayed. God’s timing is always perfect, even when it does not fit into our schedules.

- Joe Chesser worked for years with the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO. Now retired from full time preaching, he may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com