Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
LUKE 1:19-23 | 19 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. 20 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." 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not 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. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
There is a tragic and comedic element to this scene. The professional religious person, Zechariah, is unprepared for a real divine encounter. All he sees is his own age and the age of his spouse Elizabeth. Where is his memory of Abraham and Sarah? His fear of the Lord he serves in rite and ritual? The affronted Gabriel introduces the comedic element. Imagine Zechariah unable to speak and trying to mime the news to Elizabeth about her coming pregnancy! Think of her reaction to the news or Zechariah’s face when the greatest experience of his life is almost impossible to share.
Rituals and routines can reveal or hide divine realities. Do you agree?
Have you ever been unable to explain an experience?
