Mute but Faithful
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?”For the hand of the Lord was with him.
Luke 1: 57-66
The life of Zechariah is admirable in my eyes. I see a man hungry for the Lord, walking before the Lord, but questioning the Lord in a prophetic moment. This moment was when the angel Gabriel declared that the Lord would give him a child. We now know that the result of Zechariah’s doubt was muteness. Yet, there was still faithfulness to be accomplished and walked out in his life, even though he was mute. He needed to see that Elizabeth was provided for during her pregnancy, and that she was cared for during and after the birth. He was faithful, even in the midst of his punishment. I admire a man who does not run from discipline, but rather responds in truth.
We are able to see in the delivery and welcoming of John into this world. The baby was born, the family was excited, and now it was time to name the baby. Typically, the first-born male would be named after the father. So, it is understandably alarming, when the people question the naming of this baby to be John. John, is not short for Zechariah. So why this name?! The family was questioning and giving their input. Meanwhile, Zechariah remained mute.
Mute until he was questioned about the child’s name. He took a tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” As wonder filled the room, Zechariah overpowered that wonder with praise to God. He was now speaking and praising the God who muted him for a season, he was not going to question God’s faithfulness and provision now.
You see, Zechariah and Elizabeth were going to be as faithful to God in the midst of their fruitfulness as they were in their infertility. They were known as walking blamelessly before God at the beginning of Luke 1. Now they are being seen in that same light before God and man. The fear of the Lord came upon the people and wonder about God’s plans entertained their minds once again. The people had not heard from God in so long, now they hear of Elizabeth’s favor with God and Zechariah’s praise to the very same God. The silent treatment from heaven was now interrupted with His faithfulness being praised and declared.
Perhaps you find yourself mute in your circumstances today. I want to encourage you, when it becomes time for you to speak the truth of the Lord over the muteness, declare it unto Him. Zechariah did not let the lack of his voice to keep him from honoring the Lord. He grabbed the tablet and wrote. Do not be afraid to speak what God has spoken. God is faithful, He will not simply leave you with the tablet in hand. He will give you a voice, and that voice is to be faithfully fervent unto Him! He is a faithful Father. Everything He calls you to, He will see you through. Grab your tablet today, and get ready for your voice to speak His glory.
Nate Staton 