The holy Creator honors those who pray and speaks to them through the Holy Bible, his faithful witnesses and ministering angels. Do you believe in the speaking of the Most High? Do you submit to his call? Do you accept his promises joyfully? God himself comes to you through his word. He who doubts his statements accuses God of lying. He who refuses his word refuses the All-Ruling himself.
Do you believe that your prayers are answered? Zacharias prayed, but his ministry became a priestly custom. He did not wholeheartedly believe that his petitions would be answered, but believed in his own experiences and in the principles of nature rather than he trusted the All-Ruling Creator. The priest doubted the word of the Lord and did not immediately realize that the appearance of the angel was the guarantee of accomplishment of God’s promise. In this manner many believers do not trust completely the word of Christ, for they do not realize that the Crucified One is the unique guarantee of accomplishment of his Father’s promises. Would that we do not refuse God’s promises or let our hearts be like the stones which refuse the water that is brought to it, but accept and receive them immediately thanking God for them in faith, which can never be shaken.
When doubt appeared in the priest, the angel became angry in his holiness and said, "Behold, I am present. Do you not see me and notice that God is speaking to you personally through me and has chosen you and authorized you giving you a sign, which is beyond human understanding? I represent God’s omnipotence and am coming from the glorious throne to you, sinning elder, in the midst of the darkness of your world, to bring you glad tidings of great joy. Do you not believe? This shows that you are a hardhearted priest in spite of your apparent piety and prayers.
Dear brother, do you believe in the words of the Lord addressed to you? Do you harden your heart against his drawing love? Believe and do not be late lest the grace of God is changed into fury poured on those who doubt and are slow to believe.
The herald smote the priest’s tongue with muteness. He did not destroy him, but punished him in grace to leave for him the opportunity to consider the revelations of God’s ambassador to him. The word of God is full of grace. It creates a life of love and punishes the disobedient violently. Yet, the design of God’s mercy does not fall forever. The Holy One carries out the plan of his love precisely. Your Savior will complete his way with you if you devote your self to him and do not object against his word intentionally.
While the angel and the frightened priest were engaged in conversation, the people stayed in the courtyard expecting Zacharias to come out of the temple, because he was to pronounce the blessing upon them. Now observe that he who lives without the blessing of the Mediator between the Most High and men falls into temptation and condemnation. However, the poor priest was now speechless because of his unbelief. He could not pronounce the blessing because God punished him. Unfortunately, we find today many ministers who are good speakers, but their words are empty and dead because of their unbelief in the complete word of God. Their blessings are nothing but a powerless ritual veil, for the hand of Christ does not support them, but punishes them because of their hypocrisy, selfishness and doubts. Does the power of God for joy come out of you? Do you look like a weak, silent, mute priest that is void of the Spirit of God?