Luke 1:18-20
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The 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. And 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.”

The angel’s “I am Gabriel” follows Zechariah’s “I am an old man.” However, this is not the intended contrast. The contrast is between the priest’s skepticism and the angel’s certainty.

Man is always prone to doubt!

Gabriel has delivered God’s good news; it will come to pass, when the appropriate season arrives. Zechariah has called in question a promise which sprang from the heart and mind of God Himself. Where Gabriel is from this is unthinkable; Zachariah must show proper respect for God! He must be disciplined and reminded he is mortal; mortals do not question the Master Gabriel serves.

Gideon asked for a sign from God; but he asked for a specific sign.

Hezekiah asked for a sign from God; he was given a choice.

Zachariah did not ask for a sign; he expressed his doubt. He was given no choice. The Angel chose for him.

I would often tell my students when I was teaching in Bible college, “Be careful what you ask for, God will give it to you.”

Do you want a sign from God?