Losing My Voice

Scripture – Luke 1:18-22: 18Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” 21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

Reflection: Now, it seems to me Zechariah asks a reasonable question. But as a result Gabriel gives him a sign that will affect him for the next several months.

I wonder what it would be like to be unable to speak. I certainly take this ability for granted. I’ve heard of people going on silent retreats. They’ll spend up to several days without using their own voice. Though I’ve never tried it, it has always sounded intriguing to me – even to go a few hours without talking.

Well, Zechariah wasn’t given a choice. For him this was how could be sure of what Gabriel said. It’s really the answer to his question.

While I won’t be silent today, I can talk less. Perhaps the less I hear my own voice, the more I can here that of Christ.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.