In Luke 1, we find Zechariah. The priest doing his priestly duties. Nothing out of the ordinary for this man.
I recently read this one sentence describing Zechariah, and the priesthood:
“They [the priests] were set apart by God to lead the nation in holiness.”
(from Just as He Promised by The Daily Grace Co., page 53)
We, too, are a royal priesthood:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NASB)
Set apart. Are we leading others in holiness? Or have we compromised?
Although a priest, who knew the law and commands of God, Zechariah still struggled with doubt.
Zechariah brings some needed lessons on doubt:
- Priesthood does not exempt us from doubt. We will experience doubt at times in life as well.
- Doubt ended up muting Zechariah. He could not share what he had experienced verbally. And doubt will do the same to us. It will silence us. It will hold us back from sharing the gospel and our testimony.
God is serious about His promises. He will work in our lives to bring us to the point of surrender and belief.
In His mercy, He proves His promises and His Word to us,
so that we will come to trust Him more deeply, doubt less often,
and wait to see His promises fulfilled.
There are times when just one word can stand out and make all the difference. And that is what occurred through this post: Nevertheless: A Word of Hope in Advent HERE. “Whatever the challenges we face, God’s promise of restoration is sure.”
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by u_77amngw648 from Pixabay
Leading in holiness. Not in power or pride.
Amen, Joanne.
I like to picture Zechariah—and Mary and Joseph and all the other recipients of angelic messages in that wild season—just going about their business when heaven and earth came together with life-altering results.
I think that’s still how God works.
Doubt still mutes us. Great insight, Joanne. Thank you.
It’s sobering to realize that even someone in Zechariah’s shoes could doubt. How careful we need to be, how focused on God and His Word. I’m also blessed by Zechariah’s wonderful confession after God gave him his speech back. I’m thankful that though God chastens, He shows grace and will still use us when we turn in faith wholly back to Him.
Well said, Joanne. Thank you.
Thank you for writing about Zechariah. I intended to look at him, Mary, Joseph, the wisemen and shepherds according to the angelic visitations they experienced, but I am stuck on Zechariah. There’s something here God wants me to learn.
Thank you!
Thank you, Joanne, for the reminders about doubt. We all doubt God at some point, I believe He is not threatened by that doubt, but longs to reassure us of His presence.
I found this post profound Joanne. Especially your following statement;
“Doubt ended up muting Zechariah. He could not share what he had experienced verbally. And doubt will do the same to us. It will silence us. It will hold us back from sharing the gospel and our testimony.”
You know I have never thought of doubt doing that! But you’re right it will indeed.
Thank you for this thought provoking post.
Blessings, Jennifer
May we grow to trust Him more deeply, Joanne, so that doubt is silenced (not us!) and that His peace might rule and reign in our hearts and minds.