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Spirit of ElijahFriday, December 19, 2008
Luke 1:19-20 Maybe Gabriel wasn't all that impressive. And the Jews, like us, were more accustomed to hearing God's words in a "still, small voice" rather than a whirlwind, in their minds rather than out of the mouth of an angel. But Gabriel would have none of it. He silenced Zechariah's voice for the next nine months. The priest could not preach. But I have no doubt that the priest felt closer to God during those nine months than he ever had before. Given a more willing ear, God might have had much more to say. Want an intimate conversation with God? Then shut up for twenty-four hours ... or forty-eight. In my very limited experience with extended silence, God has seemed closer. How many hours are there in nine months? It's an easy calculation: 39 weeks x 168 hours = 6,552 hours. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth, old and past child-bearing age, would become pregnant with the baby Zechariah would name John. In a few short years, John will play the role of Elijah, preparing the way for Jesus his cousin, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the savior of the world. Gabriel knew what he was talking about. How sweet, Lord, to sit in silence and wait for whatever you have for me today. If you'd like an amazing video experience, watch Into Great Silence, a two-hour experience of living with Carthusian monks at the Grande Chartreuse monastery in France. |
God has to deal with small-minded human beings (present company accepted, of course) all the time. Even Zechariah, priest of the most-high God, couldn't seem to take him seriously at this moment of moments.