Luk 1:18-20

Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain?
For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”

The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Zacharias questioned how they could have a son.
He questioned the Word of the Lord.
In the natural, his doubt made sense, he and his wife were advanced in years…past child-bearing..

Yet, where was faith.
Zacharias is standing in the temple, in the Holy Place, before an angel of the Lord, and he demands proof.

This is different from when Mary asked a similar question to the same angel.
Apparently she sincerely wondered about the mechanics of the promise.
Zacharias’ attitude appears to be different.
We know due to the response of the angel.

The angel was Gabriel.
He stands in the presence of God.
He was sent by God to speak to Zacharias.
He was sent to bring this good news.

But, because Zacharias did not believe, there would be some repercussions.
The Word would still come forth.
But, Zacharias would not be able to speak (or hear? “you shall be silent” Silence would surround him, unable to hear…Luk 1:62 - And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. Making signs because he can’t hear.)

Zacharias did not believe.
Soon he would.

For us, believe.
Do not doubt.
The Word of the Lord stands forever.