It’s really not eternally crucial…but have you ever wondered if Gabriel was in a bad mood or something? Zechariah’s question was legit (and frankly, Mary asked a very similar question of her angel’s message and wasn’t struck dumb). So why was Zechariah so punished?
Regardless, Zechariah is faithful from here on as far as we know, seeing to John’s course of life just as the angel Gabriel said.
Isn’t it something that God chose Elizabeth, who thought she’d never have children, to bear John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus? This is a common feature in scripture from beginning to end - God looks out for particular women who are old, barren, or otherwise socially outcast.
This is the path of the story to the Messiah - the willingness and blessing of men and women (mostly women) to bear the good news.
Luke 1:18-25
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? My wife and I are very old.”
The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in God’s presence. I was sent to speak to you and to bring this good news to you. Know this: What I have spoken will come true at the proper time. But because you didn’t believe, you will remain silent, unable to speak until the day when these things happen.”
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered why he was in the sanctuary for such a long time. When he came out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he gestured to them and couldn’t speak. When he completed the days of his priestly service, he returned home. Afterward, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She kept to herself for five months, saying, “This is the Lord’s doing. He has shown his favor to me by removing my disgrace among other people.”
Joel 2:28-29
After that I will pour out my spirit upon everyone; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days, I will also pour out my spirit on the male and female slaves.
Prayer
God,
Why is it so hard for us to see, realize, and then follow suit in the notion that you choose people humanity otherwise would not to be at the forefront of your mission? In the church today, we continue to assume that the ones to shepherd, superintend, and lead your church should be educated, dynamic, magnetic, and proven (and male). It’s not that these things are bad, of course. Just that it’s a pretty long-lasting, long-standing trend.
So help us, God: Lead your people to see as you do: on the heart, of pure intentions, integrity, and willingness to serve and not be served.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.