Good News Of Great Joy: Lessons From The Gospel Of LukeExemplo

"Second Sunday of Advent: Zechariah's Unbelief"  John the Baptist’s birth announcement was part of the preparation for the Good News of Great Joy. Except for the fact that Zechariah wasn’t ready. This seasoned, God-fearing man knew that the Angel Gabriel was for real, but he still had his doubts. The man without a child did not believe the angel with the gospel. And because of his unbelief, Zechariah became a man without a voice.  What is so ironic, of course, is that Zechariah had prayed for the very thing he ended up doubting that God could do! He had prayed for a son and a Savior. So when the angel Gabriel told him that his prayers were answered, he had every reason to believe. The good news was delivered by Gabriel. It came from God’s mouth to Zechariah’s ear. It fulfilled the ancient promise of salvation. But instead of believing, Zechariah asked for some kind of confirmation. Sometimes even a good man has trouble believing in the power of prayer or the truth of God’s Word.  Zechariah just wanted to be sure, which is exactly why his story is in the Bible. When Luke wrote his Gospel, he could have left this part out of the story. Why did Luke include this episode? Because he was writing “the Gospel of Knowing for Sure,” and this story strengthens our faith.  As we read, it is obvious to us that Zechariah should stop raising questions and start believing the angel’s promise. As soon as we hear the promise, we know that it is true. We believe the good news, which is exactly why Luke wrote this Gospel. He tells us how Zechariah responded to the gospel so that unlike him, we will respond in faith.  When God announces good news, it always comes true. What God wants from us is faith. He wants us to take him at his word. So what-ever God says, believe it! He has said that Jesus died and rose again, so believe in the crucifixion and the resurrection. He has said that he will forgive anyone who comes to him trusting in Jesus; so if you are a sinner, believe in Jesus and know that your sins are forgiven. God has said that he will never leave you or forsake you; so whatever troubles you are facing, believe that God will help you to the very end. Have you, like Zechariah, ever responded to an answered prayer with unbelieving ears?