Rev Gav

Comedy

Luke 1:18

¹⁸ Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Reflect

Liz and Zechariah were too old to have children and yet an angel had just told Zechariah that they were going to have a baby, that the long-awaited Messiah and rescuer of the world was coming, and that their baby would grow up to be the greatest prophet that had ever lived, but then Zechariah did a crazy thing; he pretty much interrupted the angel to tell him that he had got it wrong. If there was one thing you did not tell a frightening messenger from God, it was that he had made a boo boo, but Zechariah did.

I do not know whether I find this part of the story encouraging or not! Despite all the great and wonderful words the angel had used, Zechariah was locked into the physical reality of himself and his situation. It was as if he was looking down rather than up, was not seeing the possibilities, and was unable to see himself as being part of this amazing story. It is pretty discouraging, however, on the other hand it is immensely encouraging because Zechariah was acting so very human! This ordinary man who was open to God got chosen by God, and rather than being all religious and self-congratulatory, said, “Me? Yeah, right?” He was normal, and it gives me great encouragement because it means that God uses normal people, like me, and like you.

Do you think that God might use you? Would you doubt like Zechariah? Well, be encouraged. When you open your life to God and when you say, “Come in and use me,” God does.

Do

Today, open yourself to serving God. Be honest about your doubts, but also tell God that you are available for his mission in the world.

Pray

Holy God
Right now I’m open to you.
Forgive me for doubting
that you would pick me for your team,
but come into my life and use me;
my skills, my time and my talents,
to further your mission in the world.
This day and for ever.
Amen.

Think

1. Do you think it’s okay to find bits of the Bible amusing or funny?

2. Why does it surprise you that the first character we meet in Luke’s gospel has doubts?