Two years ago, Philippi mom-to-be, Sylvia Nodela’s excitement rapidly evaporated after she discovered that her baby was developing outside the womb, a condition which could cause a myriad of complications.

 

Consequently, she underwent a high-risk operation that proved successful, and baby Joshua made quite the extraordinary entrance into this world. Stories like this help us to believe in the miraculous.

 

About two millennia ago, there was more than one miracle-birth story in the Judaean countryside. Angel Gabriel had his hands full heralding the births of men who would change the world. First, baby John, destined to be the forerunner of the Messiah.

 

His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were both descendants of Aaron and considered righteous in the sight of God. My inference here is that the reader could in no way attribute barrenness to anything sinful. Sarah, Rachel and Hannah’s struggles come to mind; all of them had to wait on God’s timing for rather special children.

 

Zechariah’s angelic encounter was probably extremely startling considering that there had been a pregnant pause of about 400 years when Israel had been without a prophetic voice.

 

It explains how startled Zechariah was by the angel’s words as he served in the temple. Doubtful, he asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well on in years.” (Luke 1:18)

 

Clearly, the angel realised that Zechariah did not believe him, and put the priest on mute for the entire time that Elizabeth was pregnant. I always wondered why the angel acted so decisively. It seems that God expected Zechariah to believe his messenger.

 

How do you respond when God speaks through the messenger of his Word, even when you have feelings of doubt? Perhaps you feel like you have a raw deal in life, that God has forgotten you? Do you keep serving God through thick and thin, like this couple?

 

Fortunately, all ends well. John the Baptist, as he would be known, was a healthy young tot and brought joy to his family, one would presume, as that was what the angel had heralded. However, after naming John, nothing more is said about this couple.

 

Prayer: Father God, you often work in ways beyond comprehension. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when nothing makes sense. Amen.