Advent Devotion: December 5, 2024
The Place of Patience
~Bill Buchanan
Scripture Luke 1:18-23 (NRSV) Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that this will happen? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he returned to his home.
Reflection
I can’t help but feel for Zechariah in this part of the story. He’s an old priest taking his turn on duty in the sanctuary of The Lord when an angel appears and tells him that he and his wife Elizabeth, in their old age, will have a son who is going to go on to do important things. Zechariah asks how he can be sure this is going to actually happen, since they have never been able to have children and now are too old. I mean… It's a reasonable question to ask.
You could say that Gabriel both punishes Zechariah for his doubting, but also gives him what he was seeking– a sign of God’s power. The angel makes him mute until these things come to pass.
It occurs to me that there is some symbolism in this action. Gabriel essentially is saying, “You’ve asked your question. Now stop talking and wait for your answer.” As a career Christian educator and pastor I have accompanied many youth who have asked reasonable questions about their faith and God’s work in their lives. I have even encouraged this kind of questioning! And, we leaders of youth ministry can take a lesson here in also encouraging young people to listen patiently for the answer.
One other thing to note about this story is that after Zechariah is made mute, he stays on duty throughout his appointed time. After all that had happened, getting a sub for the remainder of his time would have been completely understandable. But he stayed in it. Likewise, there is a lot of uncertainty in this time and place, and we have lots of questions. Let’s stay in it, watch what God will do, and in our waiting, discern what our place is in the story.
God of Word and Silence, hear our questions and help us be patient for your answers. Sustain us as we remain “on duty” and help us to know the roles you want us to play. Amen.
The Place of Patience
~Bill Buchanan
Scripture Luke 1:18-23 (NRSV) Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that this will happen? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he returned to his home.
Reflection
I can’t help but feel for Zechariah in this part of the story. He’s an old priest taking his turn on duty in the sanctuary of The Lord when an angel appears and tells him that he and his wife Elizabeth, in their old age, will have a son who is going to go on to do important things. Zechariah asks how he can be sure this is going to actually happen, since they have never been able to have children and now are too old. I mean… It's a reasonable question to ask.
You could say that Gabriel both punishes Zechariah for his doubting, but also gives him what he was seeking– a sign of God’s power. The angel makes him mute until these things come to pass.
It occurs to me that there is some symbolism in this action. Gabriel essentially is saying, “You’ve asked your question. Now stop talking and wait for your answer.” As a career Christian educator and pastor I have accompanied many youth who have asked reasonable questions about their faith and God’s work in their lives. I have even encouraged this kind of questioning! And, we leaders of youth ministry can take a lesson here in also encouraging young people to listen patiently for the answer.
One other thing to note about this story is that after Zechariah is made mute, he stays on duty throughout his appointed time. After all that had happened, getting a sub for the remainder of his time would have been completely understandable. But he stayed in it. Likewise, there is a lot of uncertainty in this time and place, and we have lots of questions. Let’s stay in it, watch what God will do, and in our waiting, discern what our place is in the story.
God of Word and Silence, hear our questions and help us be patient for your answers. Sustain us as we remain “on duty” and help us to know the roles you want us to play. Amen.
