Luke 1:39-66

Luke 1:39-66

Many of us think we would like to be alone and enjoy silence and solitude. If we experience that reality we might come to a different conclusion. When Zacharias was sentenced for his unbelief in verse 20 the word translated “silent and unable to speak” was not a redundancy; but rather, two aspects of one sentencing. Note in verse 62, when it comes time to name the baby the neighbors and relatives had to “make sign” to Zachariah to know what he wanted to name the baby. Zachariah lived those 9 months in a world of isolation. He could not speak and he could not hear. Alone with his thoughts one wonders what tumbled over in his mind. The hymns of praise witnessed by Mary and Elizabeth were lost on him. In many ways, he was profoundly limited in his ability to share Elizabeth's pregnancy. His work would have no doubt been profoundly affected not to mention his experience at synagogue. Zechariah set the record for the longest quiet time. Without any distraction falling on his ears and without the ability to talk, teach, or engage in conversation, Zechariah had an extended quiet time.

With plenty of time to think when he could finally speak Zechariah broke into praise. He was changed from one who suffers in unbelief into one who praises and prays. That change did not occur at that moment he was able to speak. There was no sudden revelation in the moment. The revelation occurred while he was in the temple. That change occurred while in his quiet time. The change did not occur because he heard from Mary or Elizabeth, the change occurred because of the soul searching that occurred in his quiet time.

What is the point of quiet time? Is it to reinforce our own convictions and opinions? Is it to gain an insight or a bit of trivia, which we did not know before? Is it to earn points with God? Maybe it's just to feel good? Or is the point of being alone with God to allow God to work unseen at the root of some thread, some fiber of unbelief or hidden secret hardness of the heart? There are many things to learn in a quiet time, but none of them are better than to learn how to become more fully devoted to God.

"Lord, in the quiet secret place draw me closer to You. AMEN"