Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Luke's story begins Thursday, December 19, 2002 Luke 1:19-20 19) The angel spoke, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens ..." Gabriel's words should be in big type, in bold face, shouting from the page. "I AM GABRIEL!!!!" That's how I hear them, the words of God's right-hand rep, certain of his power, clear about his mission, brooking no opposition. Zechariah was the one complaining to Gabriel. Of all those who heard the angel, he was the only one with anything negative to say. His wife Elizabeth was overjoyed to become pregnant at last with their soon-to-be-named son John. Mary and Joseph accepted what the angel told them. It was only the old man, the priest Zechariah, who shook his finger, frowned, and said "How can this be?" Or in other words, "You've gotta be kidding!" "Give me a break!" "Sure, yeah, uh-huh ... whatever!" So ... do I want to be like Zechariah or like the others? It's pretty obvious, isn't it? Open my eyes wide, shut my mouth, and just see what happens next. Anything is possible with God. My life fits into its routines, its expectations, its plans. I resist the wrenching that comes when God moves me out of my ruts. If I want to move out of Zechariah's shadow, I'd better just stop that. Zechariah was struck mute for months after Gabriel's speech. I am sure he heard much of the gentle voice of God during those days, uninterrupted by his own words. Thank you for closing my mouth over and over, Lord. In my silence, speak. I want to hear your voice and be with you. "; Add      Edit    Delete