Read: Luke 1:5–25
Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” Luke 1:18
An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah with the news that his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive and give birth to a son who was to be named John. In their old age, Zechariah and Elizabeth were going to be parents. Zechariah responded to this news by asking for some proof of this unbelievably wonderful promise. “How will I know this is true?” he asked the angel.
First of all, Elizabeth will tell Zechariah that “she’s late.” And then her belly will begin to grow round. Finally, she’ll demand that Zechariah go out in the middle of the night to get her some ice cream and pickles. How will he know?! Zechariah’s impatience and doubt got the best of him, as they do us. We want to know, when God simply wants us to have faith. With most matters of faith in life, we don’t need to know, we just need to trust.
What knowledge do you wish God would provide for you?
Lord, I want to know, I don’t want to have to trust. I long for that which is concrete, and become frustrated when it feels as if I have fistfuls of air. I cry out “How will I know?” and You respond, “Don’t be afraid, have faith, trust.” Help me not only to accept that response but also to embrace it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.