The angel describes the child not yet born as Joy-bringing, Spirit-filled, a second Elijah. Great in God’s eyes. Turning people to the Lord. Preparing the people for Messiah’s coming! Amazed and overwhelmed, Zechariah turns from this glorious prophecy to focus on grim reality. After all, he knows how these things work.
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen?
I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God.
It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said,
you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born.
For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary,
wondering why he was taking so long.
22 When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them.
Then they realized from his gestures and his silence
that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.
Luke 1: 11-22 NLT
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