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This week's focus: Boldness

“Here’s Your Sign” was a famous phrase used by comedian Bill Engvall to point out the absurdity of some questions people ask. For example, a trucker gets stuck under an overpass, and the responding policeman asks, “Hey, you got your truck stuck?” The trucker answers, “No, sir. I was delivering that overpass, and I ran out of gas. Here’s your sign.”

It’s easy to judge others when they speak before they think, but we’ve all been there. Even Zechariah, a faithful priest and servant of the Lord, missed the obvious after his encounter with an angel,

“And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord'" (Luke 1:11-14).

How incredible is that? Can you imagine fervently praying for something for years and then learning—through a mighty angel’s mouth— that God would miraculously grant your request? Not only that, but the promised child would be “great before the Lord.” I would like to think that “Praise God” or “Hallelujah” would be the first response, but that’s not what we read in Luke 1:18; when Zechariah asks this question,

“How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

I’ve always wondered what expression was on Gabriel’s face or the tone in his voice when he answered,

“I’m Gabriel.” (Luke 1:19).

If Zechariah was looking for a sign, getting first-hand news from an angel should have been enough—especially when the angel was Gabriel! According to Daniel’s description of him, he is someone you would remember,

“His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. (Daniel 10:5-6).

If that is how he appeared to Zechariah, then what a sign! What more did he need? Gabriel went on to tell him that due to his unbelief, he would not be able to speak until the day that these things take place (see Luke 1:20).

After years of praying for a child, could it be that in Zechariah’s discouragement, he temporarily forgot that “What is impossible with man is possible with God?” (Luke 18:27). Zechariah reminds us that even faithful and mature believers can struggle with God’s timing. Or maybe Zechariah couldn’t comprehend the extreme extravagance of the Lord’s love and grace toward him. Not only would he miraculously be given a son, but one that would prepare the way for the Messiah. God was giving him more than he could ask for or even imagine! However, instead of joyfully receiving this great news and sharing it with others, his doubt led to a closed mouth.

As Spirit-filled believers whose lives have been changed because of Jesus’ extravagant love and grace, may our mouths never be silent. Once we receive the gift of complete forgiveness of all our sins and eternal life with the Lord (gifts beyond all we can ask for, deserve, or imagine), we should confidently—and joyfully—direct others to Him. Let’s not overlook all the signs that Jesus is returning soon and be diligent in sharing the good news.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” - Mark 16:15

There’s our sign!

by: Jennifer McAlister for My Faith Votes