the zechariah syndrome
"Then Zechariah, his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this prophecy." —Luke 1:67
We see so many Zechariahs in our churches every Sunday. They're "just in the eyes of God" (Lk 1:6). They're good church-goers, dedicated and willing to lend a helping hand. Like Zechariah, however, they are paralyzed. They cannot speak in Jesus' name or hear His voice (Lk 1:62-63). They are spiritually deaf and dumb from a lack of faith, a lack of a personal relationship with the Lord.
The Zechariahs are not ready for Christ's Christmas coming or His final coming at the end of the world. In fact, they're not ready for life, death, or life after death since "all depends on faith, everything is grace" (Rm 4:16).
These Zechariahs can be set free. They can believe and receive the Holy Spirit. They can hear the voice of God and prophesy in Jesus' name. They can meet Jesus personally this Christmas.
Will you give a spiritually deaf person the opportunity for Christmas? If we stay dumb, the Zechariahs will stay deaf. If we stay dumb we are probably deaf ourselves and one of the Zechariahs. Repent and believe! The Lord is coming!
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus! May I never be ashamed to talk about You. Come, Lord Jesus!
Promise: "Your house and kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16
Praise: "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people" (Lk 1:68).
Reference: (Be freed from spiritual dumbness. For a related teaching, order our tape Evangelization on audio AV 55-1 and AV 55-3 or video V-55.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
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