Thanks for the comments. When a prayer is answered that is decades in the making like Zechariah I am sure he was caught off guard that his request would be answered.
Several good points here, Paul. First of all, the question of silence amidst the many distractions. That, I believe, is a struggle for many, including myself. Silence is something God has been teaching me over the last few years. I'm also reminded of the lack of faith Zechariah portrays. We can serve God, while lacking genuine faith. Thanks, again.
Yes, have been quieted many times, not so much "sound and noise" quiet but a quiet of the heart. Love the Zephaniah verses--how often do we imagine God delighting in us (literally jumping) with singing?!
I have always been fascinated and impacted by the lives of older men in the Bible, including Zechariah, such as Caleb, Daniel, Moses, Noah, Simeon, even David, who would have penned several of his Psalms (such as Psalm 18) later in his life. I'm now an older man myself, and encouraged once again that God would use an older couple to be instrumental in God's plan for our salvation.
When I first discovered the "song of Zechariah" 30 years ago, I copied it from my Bible and covered it with plastic (Mary's Magnificat was on the other side) and memorized both passages on my morning runs. I still have the original copies...and still encouraged by the strong prophetic words hidden in my heart!
I'm also reminded that God's ways are not our ways, but higher! The muting of Zechariah, brilliant, for once he regained his speech, look what the Holy Spirit breathed into him!
Thank you Chuck for the comments, perspective, and your own connection to the story. God has a purpose for each person and yes even as people age he has a way of working uniquely each person. Thank you for sharing.
Nothing is more unbelievable to us than an answered prayer.
Thanks for the comments. When a prayer is answered that is decades in the making like Zechariah I am sure he was caught off guard that his request would be answered.
I'd be right there with him, Paul!
Several good points here, Paul. First of all, the question of silence amidst the many distractions. That, I believe, is a struggle for many, including myself. Silence is something God has been teaching me over the last few years. I'm also reminded of the lack of faith Zechariah portrays. We can serve God, while lacking genuine faith. Thanks, again.
Thank you Mike. Good points also, I thought it interesting that the Angel Gabriel took the step to silence Zechariah.
From unbelief….
Yes, have been quieted many times, not so much "sound and noise" quiet but a quiet of the heart. Love the Zephaniah verses--how often do we imagine God delighting in us (literally jumping) with singing?!
I have always been fascinated and impacted by the lives of older men in the Bible, including Zechariah, such as Caleb, Daniel, Moses, Noah, Simeon, even David, who would have penned several of his Psalms (such as Psalm 18) later in his life. I'm now an older man myself, and encouraged once again that God would use an older couple to be instrumental in God's plan for our salvation.
When I first discovered the "song of Zechariah" 30 years ago, I copied it from my Bible and covered it with plastic (Mary's Magnificat was on the other side) and memorized both passages on my morning runs. I still have the original copies...and still encouraged by the strong prophetic words hidden in my heart!
I'm also reminded that God's ways are not our ways, but higher! The muting of Zechariah, brilliant, for once he regained his speech, look what the Holy Spirit breathed into him!
Thank you Chuck for the comments, perspective, and your own connection to the story. God has a purpose for each person and yes even as people age he has a way of working uniquely each person. Thank you for sharing.