Devotions

Doubt of A Son

December 3, 2021

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I  be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”  The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, I stand in the presence of God, and I had been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  Now you will be silent and not be able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.”  Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.  When he came out, he couldn’t speak to them.  They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.  When his time of service was completed, he returned home.  After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  “The Lord has done this for me.”  She said.  IN these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people. Luke 1:18-25

OH NO!!! Zechariah doubted the angel’s message from God.  His doubt is understandable, however, this was a message from God.  He can do anything he wants.  We have to remember that we cannot rely on How we think or our experience, but trust and rely on God.  We need to Completely trust God in all areas of our lives.

Now if Zechariah doubted and couldn’t share what the angel said, how would the people respond?  They knew something had happened.

Elizabeth was in seclusion for 5 months.  Why?!?

Have any of you ever gone into seclusion?  Fully or partly?

I have done a partial seclusion.  I had nothing to do with anyone other than family or if I absolutely had to interact with others.  Even though it felt lonely, I wasn’t.  It was a very intimate time with God.  It was a deep reliance on God and only God.  NO human factors.  I think there can be many reasons for a time of seclusion and this is such a time for Elizabeth.  Don’t be afraid of a time of seclusion!!!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for your plan for redemption.  I thank you for all the little details that we just don’t understand the why too!  God this Christmas season, please helps us to focus on you and your plan for salvation.

In Jesus name, Amen